The silence was irritating as hell. I rattled off tests I believed should be run, reasons for my thinking and when there wasn’t a single reply, a grunt or anything else, I issued a primal yell. “Hear me or many will die.”

  A full minute ticked by and another. There was no reaction or voice indicating they gave a flying fuck. How in the hell was I supposed to get through to them? I paced the room again, organizing my thoughts, performing certain tests in my mind. The saline had acted as an inhibitor, masking the poison, but for how long?

  The sound of the door dragged me out of my technological fog, prepared to lash out. “Vlanea. You heard me.”

  “I was told, but I don’t think you’re right. Why would they provide slow-release poison? If this is your humans’ weapon of choice, they’d need a source that could kill instantly, not days or weeks later,” Vlanea asked, her expression quizzical.

  “That would depend on their use, the timing, and on the intended victim.” My mind was formulating the idea as I spoke.

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning, let’s say the poison was placed in food or drink, the substance could be induced during any kind of visit. Lying in wait.” I could tell Vlanea remained uncertain of where I was going with this. I moved closer. “Like Braga. He no doubt ingested the poison at an event he was attending. A test, so to speak. Depending on the dosage, the amount used, and even the body type of the Cenzan, signs of affliction could occur with hours or days.”

  Her eyes opened wide. “Which means many more could be infected without fear of retaliation.”

  I nodded, my mind reeling with additional possibilities. “They may have also developed a method for an instant kill or one that could kill masses at a later time. There are many scenarios.”

  “How? If you really think this is food of some kind, how would they be able to do this?”

  “Maybe the manufacturers, wineries. I’m not certain, but I do believe there is a planned act of revenge, if it hasn’t already occurred. I also believe we’re running out of time.”

  Vlanea nodded. “I’ll speak with Braga and begin testing. If you’re right, we need to narrow down the timing as well as the source. That’s the only way to create a true serum.”

  “I have another way, if only Shandar would trust me.”

  “It’s not always about trust, Fiona. Our culture, our ways are different from yours. You must not challenge Shandar. He can be very… difficult, brutal, but he has reasons for his harshness. He is a wonderful man, but at times, he doesn’t think like a leader.” She looked away. “I spoke out of turn and I apologize.”

  “There’s nothing to apologize for. You were in love with him or still are.”

  She jerked back, a slight gasp pushing past her lips. “I’ve never known love like what I’ve read about. I’ve served my country since the day I graduated from medical academy. There was no time for building any type of relationship, but I’ve cared for him my entire life, even though our togetherness was not to be. Your mating is vital on several levels. Please, you must not let Shandar know we’ve talked about this.”

  “I may never understand your ways, Vlanea but I am committed to keeping your people alive. Let me help.” I had no intention of telling Shandar anything at this point, not in this state. When she touched my arm, her eyes imploring, I was surprised.

  “You must endure your punishment. Do not fight it. You will garner respect among our people. Afterwards, you will be brought to my facility. I will… I will heal you. After that, we will work together. Yes?”

  I could only nod. Seeing the clear anxiety regarding what I was about to face was terrifying. I would never be anything but his slave.

  Chapter Eight

  Shandar

  “What in the hell do you mean you’re punishing Fiona in such an egregious fashion? What did she do, try to break free?” Braga demanded after storming onto the bridge, snorting before issuing a hollow laugh. While the lieutenants dared glance in the direction of the commotion, they maintained their stations, trying to circumvent the conflict.

  “She defied my order and must learn her place,” I hissed through clenched teeth, avoiding any eye contract. I loathed the fact I’d commanded that she be punished in front of a group of Cenzans, the old concept still in use. However, she’d pushed me too far. Losing credibility wouldn’t bode me well during the heat of battle. My desire to please her had furthered the rumors and ugly comments regarding whether I was fit to hold a high command.

  “What order? When I left, she was sleeping in your arms. Oh, yes. Your father, the great king called.”

  I snapped my head in his direction, curling my lip. His disdain for my father’s regime wasn’t necessarily surprising but Braga followed every rule. “That is none of anyone’s concern, Officer Maak.”

  “As if our soldiers don’t know what’s going on.” He took long strides closer, lowering his voice. “Reverse the decision. She has work to do in the lab. You’re fully aware they will attempt to use the poison again in a much more egregious fashion.”

  “You know I cannot reverse my decision and there is little that goes on in or around this ship that I’m not aware of.”

  He gave me an incredulous look. “Right. Big, bad warrior on the warpath with one female human. Omnipotent. That’s a good title for you.”

  “Stand down,” I snipped. My body ached, my head reeling from everything she’d told me as well as my father’s current condition.

  “Damn you. She cares about you, for some ridiculous reason. She’s willing to fight for our people instead of her own.”

  “And you’re so certain of this?” My voice boomed in the airtight space.

  I’d thought about Fiona’s request, but I couldn’t risk the chance she would try to escape, running straight into the arms of her former lover. I snarled, walking closer to the thick, transparent shields, glaring at the Earth. This entire mission had been far more damaging than anything else. Had her words been truthful? Could she possibly learn to live without her precious Earth?

  “I know what’s in her heart, Shandar. You should try to look past your fears as well as your rage and maybe you’ll see her as I do.”

  The tension was thick, draining.

  “I can’t risk anything at this point. She must understand our ways. You’re a commanding officer. Rules must be followed.” While what I was saying was the truth, the form of humiliation would no doubt break the tether we shared. Still, Braga’s tone was bordering insubordination, another infraction I wouldn’t be able to let go.

  “Yes, sir. I fully understand the rules that I accepted when joining the Cenzan military.”

  I gave him a directed gaze. “I’m glad to hear that, soldier.”

  He inched even closer, lowering his voice. “I realize you’re riding fine lines with regards to our people. I respect and will follow your command but try to remember that she’s had no time for formal training, Shandar. You’re just angry she’s more formidable than most and challenging you. You can’t see what she’s given you, us, perhaps our entire ship, let alone saving my life.” He flanked my side, refusing to back down. “What is really going on with you? I’m here to help. Kalek and I aren’t going anywhere. We remain by your side.”

  “Everything is under control. We have less than two days before we invade. There is much to do, and I can’t have any distractions.”

  Braga exhaled, hesitating as if weighing his reply. “May I remind you that you brought her here? You wanted her by your side and in your bed and you stopped at nothing to make that happen, including listening to your own officers.”

  I struck without thinking, backhanding him across the face. He went down with a hard thud, his body slamming against one of the consoles. There wasn’t a Cenzan on the bridge who didn’t back away, fearful of my wrath.

  He rubbed his jaw, shaking his head. “Same Shandar that I’ve known my entire life. Vengeful.”

  “I’ve learned many things during this mission, including those I can count on.” The words were bitter, hollow. I was losing control on more than just my anger.

  Struggling to his feet, he moved toward the door, stopping short. “I feel sorry for you, Shandar. Whatever your father said to you, whatever kind of restrictions he placed on this mission have unraveled you. I thought for one blessed moment that a mere human could heal you. I was wrong. I will be by your side during the punishment and I will be the one to issue the harsh whips, but hear me, my brother. I am leaving on the Comstar ship when it arrives tomorrow. I refuse to serve under a repugnant leader. I also refuse to be a monster. Find another for your third. The Act of Drakan is broken.”

  I didn’t respond, preferring to sneer at the Earth. The damage had already been done. Let him serve on another ship. I heard the jaded whispers, knew exactly what the lieutenants were saying. They’d seen my rash behavior before, endured whatever penance I chose to dole out at the time. I closed and rubbed my eyes, allowing Fiona’s ridiculous request to settle in the back of my mind. If she wasn’t working with Logan and had an idea of his whereabouts, the hunt would be much easier, preventing any additional casualties.

  Could I afford to take that chance?

  “Captain. Everything is in place, just awaiting your attendance.”

  The soldier’s words were stilted.

  “I’ll be right there.” I waited until he’d left before fisting my hand. Perhaps Braga was right, and I was unraveling. I kept my head high as I walked down the corridor, heading in the direction of the punishment facility. I didn’t want this on any level, but Fiona did need to learn a lesson.

  The room was full to capacity, the various soldiers no doubt hungering to see if I had the balls to go through with this. I made no eye contact as I headed for the single seat in the room. The rules were simple. I could solicit any soldier of my choosing to impose the round of discipline or I could handle the punishment myself. With Braga stepping in, I could not take away his honor. Honor. This was nothing but an archaic ceremony that had been in place since our creation. I’d vowed never to use public humiliation as a method of punishment on any Cenzan or other species, no matter the infraction.

  And here I was, imposing the kind of ancient discipline I loathed. What had become of the promises I made to those who followed me, those who no longer believe in the old ways? Had I truly lost myself as well as my convictions?

  Kalek moved into the room, standing by my side. “I heard you argued with Braga. While I understand Braga’s convictions, he’s thinking with his heart. You must keep order in the ranks.”

  “Order. Yes, I’m well aware of every requirement.” I almost spat out the words. Instead, I gripped Kalek’s shoulder. We were all under significant duress. “She is special to me.”

  “To all of us, Captain. Keep that in mind.”

  “Yes, to all of us. We will talk after her discipline. However, we may need to change our plans.” As Braga entered the room from another door, his face stoic, his body language reeking of tension, I was forced to look away.

  “I will make certain Braga understands protocol,” Kalek stated through clenched teeth then softened. “However, I just don’t want to lose him.”

  “I have no intention of that happening, Kalek. What we’re attempting to do on this mission is far too important.”

  “I will stand by your side during this and I will read the order.”

  For all the years and battles I’d been through with Kalek, I could almost see a crack in his armor. He cared for Fiona much more than he was willing to say, but duty and honor had been instilled in him at a very young age. “Thank you, Kalek.”

  Kalek nodded and took a step back before eyeing Braga.

  I wanted to stop the fucking proceedings, to explain what I feared most, but a third door opened and Fiona was brought in, shackled, wearing a plain white sheath. As required, she was brought before me. Only two hours before I’d seen such adoration in her eyes, a hint of joy in sharing our time together. Now? There was nothing but bitter hatred. In her eyes, I was dead, the monster she’d feared as well as hungered for. While our connection remained, the sadness overtook any aspect of the future.

  And I was to blame.

  Kalek saluted before moving in front of Fiona. When he spoke, I was able to hear the glitch in his voice, the hint of pain.

  “Fiona Dupree, you have been found guilty or defying direct orders as given by the captain of this ship. Do you have anything to say?”

  I almost reached out, cupping her face, but every pair of eyes was on me, waiting to see what I would do. At the very least, I could offer a certain amount of leniency.

  She held her head in a defiant manner, a slight smile on her face as she glanced from Kalek back toward me. “Yes, and I would defy them again. And again. And again. For you see, I am human, and I have a conscience.”

  The murmurs in the room were significant, many prepared for my backlash. Instead of any anger, I wanted nothing more than to wrap her in my arms. I could feel Braga’s air of near insubordination as well as his love for Fiona. “Very well. You are sentenced to ten lashes on your naked bottom.”

  A single quiver of her lip was her only emotion. Ten was the lowest amount allowed and it was ten too many. I gripped the arms of the chair, holding my breath as she was taken to the steel cross, her wrists and ankles shackled. A swell of raw emotions almost blinded me, creating a wave of sickness in my belly. The continued murmurs in the room were deafening, trying me to the point of madness.

  I closed my eyes as Braga selected an implement. While he was limited given the requirements of our judiciary system, I knew what his choice would be. The thick leather strap was one he’d used many times, his mastery one from practice and time. While her punishment would be painful, there would be no permanent damage of any kind.

  “Begin,” I commanded, wanting nothing more than to get this over with.

  Braga gave a slight nod as required, but his eyes were just as cold as Fiona’s. I clawed the arms when he unfastened the sheath, exposing her buttocks and upper thighs. I studied the soldiers in the room, the majority men and when the first strike was issued, I expected glee. Instead, what I witnessed was exhaustion, disbelief. The men and women of my ship had bought into the idea of finding a new life on Earth, of being the forefathers of our kind on a new planet with clean air and water, and abundant food and drink. Then they could return home, at least at some point, and all of them exalted. What if my fears were realized, that they’d never leave Earth? The lies were compounding.

  Even the concept of imprisoning the humans seemed to have worn thin. They’d battled so many in an effort to find the right habitat.

  A second smack was issued and Fiona clenched her fists, the whimper slight.

  Braga issued a third, inching closer and caressing her ass cheeks.

  Kalek gave me a look before scanning the audience.

  The fourth was issued, the snapping sound echoing in the dense chamber.

  “Oh!” She bit back the cry as soon as the sound left her lips.

  I willed myself to watch as he gave her a fifth, then a sixth. I was trembling from rage at myself, fear of the unknown, love of a woman who could never love me.

  On the seventh hard smack, she relented, yelping, jerking against the chains. I was on my feet, unable to stop my actions. I didn’t care about the ramifications or what certain soldiers thought of me. I was finished with the ancient ways, done with trying to be a good leader. I was simply going to do what was necessary. I held out my hand, ready to issue the order when not one but two of the soldiers collapsed.

  “Oh!”

  The collective cry was immediate, the sound of terror filling the room.

  “Braga, release her. Now!” I rushed toward the fallen men, checking for life. “Call the doctor and please, go back to your stations. Lieutenant Bratank, please put out a red shield warning. We are under attack.”

  “Attack?” the lieutenant asked, his eyes opening wide.

  “Just do as you’re told,” Braga interjected. He nodded in my direction as he unshackled Fiona, pulling her into his arms and covering her nakedness. “What is going on, Shandar? Were they poisoned?”

  “Please listen to me,” she said as she clung to Braga.

  “This is their weapon,” I said absently. The two soldiers were already near a comatose state.

  “Braga, we must test your blood. It’s vital,” she said quietly.

  “Vlanea took blood almost an hour ago. Why? Talk to me.”

  The door opened, Vlanea rushing inside, hissing when she noticed the two soldiers. “We must get Braga to quarantine along with these men.”

  “The poison is reactivated,” Fiona murmured, her grip on Braga remaining. I detected such a strong connection between them.

  “What are you talking about?” Braga demanded.

  “I believe that you were a test, to see how the poison reacted.” Fiona stood to her full height, refastening the sheath. “I also believe that it remains in your system, lying dormant. If that’s the case, it’s slowly killing you.”

  “I can find no traces of that as of yet. Your serum solution may help us, at least in the interim.” Vlanea gave me a harsh look as she turned in my direction. “I need Fiona to work with me, side by side. Period.”

  I nodded as I moved to a standing position. “Yes. She is clear to work with you. What do you anticipate happening?”

  “These men were not with you when you went to the lab on Earth. If Fiona is right, we can expect more soldiers will succumb within hours or days. In other words, Captain Drateq, your people and perhaps the entire fleet have already been poisoned. The humans have already won.”

  “No, they haven’t. Have you located the mutated gene? There has to be one if the poison remains in the system for any length of time.” Fiona was animated, as if she was terrified she wouldn’t be able to help.

  I caught her gaze and suddenly we were the only ones in the room. The connection was still electric, stronger than I would have anticipated. She would forever be her own woman, full of defiance, but I would never crave another this much. In those few precious seconds, I allowed her to see the respect I would always have for her.