Rigel 2

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Calypso had just been cradled for her annual inspection. The keel had been upgraded, and she now had a canting keel for better performance in side-wind loads. The 34 meter Marconi rigged ketch now sat berthed in Festungmauer harbor as a team of 4 people began readying her for the first outing of the season. She was moored now alongside the quay with a gangplank crossing between the quay and the sailboat.

The two masts rose into the morning light. None of her sails were raised, although all four had been removed and inspected carefully. The Jib, Staysail, Mainsail and Mizzen sails were once more affixed to their spars in preparation for the trip to Curaçao. The running rigging and halyards were inspected and deemed in good condition.

One of the crew was getting into the spirit of things as they hauled aboard supplies, his voice carried across the marina…

Rainbow to windward, foul fall the day, rainbow to leeward, rain runs away.
Clear moon, frost soon.
A round topped cloud, with flattened base, carries rainfall in its face.
Seagull, seagull, sit on the sand, it’s a sign of rain when you are at hand.
When clouds are gathering thick and fast, keep sharp lookout for sail and mast.
When halo rings the moon or sun, rain is approaching on the run.
Mackerel skies and mare’s tails, make tall ships take in their sails.
Wind in the east, the fist bite least, wind in the west, the fish bite the best.
When the wind shifts against the sun, trust it not, for back it will run.
Rain in the flood, only a scud, rain on the ebb, sailors to bed.
If the clouds be bright, t’will clear tonight, if the clouds be dark, t’will rain, will you hark?”
The win in the west, suits everyone best.
When the glass falls low, prepare for a blow, when it slowly rises, lofty canvas you may fly.


Several hours later, the Calypso was stocked with provisions. The activity aboard the ketch had garnered more attention than anyone there realized.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Azjah sat alone in the Great Room that evening. She couldn’t find it in herself to go to the Inn, and she hoped that Wil would not miss her. The day had been full of emotional activities, including the one direction she’d given to Dyson several hours ago that she truly never thought she would give. Clear Klinton’s rooms. Pack his belongings, carefully, and store them. His suite would need to be cleaned and aired. It had been closed for almost two years now.

Azjah toyed with the glass she held. Her thoughts going back to her wedding day as she curled up on the settee; the words said in anger, and the outcome that had proven so disastrous. She closed her eyes as memories flooded in around her. Words said in such anger left long tendrils that never do seem to relent their hold on their victims.

. She saw Klinton as he had stood in her rooms at Triberg House that fateful day. She heard her own voice say, “YOU chose to leave, had you been here this morning when Lucien came, you'd have heard the conversation!” She had been furious with Klinton that morning over the message that had come in regarding the woman who called herself his mother as well as his nasty comments about Lucien.

. Klinton radiated fury, the discussion had been going on for some time before this memory snippet, "Yeah, I did choose that. But I also chose to TRUST YOU to respect my wishes, and YOU chose to break that trust."

. Azjah watched as the memory replayed her reaction, she had slammed her palm down on the foot of the bed in frustration, “You chose me as your future mate, someone to love you and look out for your interests. I chose to do just that." She remembered vividly wondering how he dared be so angry with her since it was a mate’s responsibility to look out for one another. This woman may not even have been his mother, and she was causing all manner of suffering.

. Klinton nodded coldly at her, “And of all the choices we've mentioned so far, THAT one may have been the worst."

. Even now, those words hurt deeply, but she had wanted to make him say it, despite knowing which choice he had been referring to, "WHICH one? There were so many mentioned.” Some part of her needed to hear him say the words that would cut deeply. Some part of her remembered the arguments King Henry II had engaged in with his Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. How similar they were, despite being separated by over a thousand years.

. Klinton had sagged slightly, "About me choosing you as a future mate." He considered his proposal a mistake, so be it.

. By that point, she was building a wall around her feelings out of self defense, “You regret that?" She had asked them with the cold acceptance of finality. Make him say it out loud. Make it be what it was, out in the open for one and all to see.

. Klinton had re-affirmed his stand quite clearly, “Given the current circumstances? Yes."

. She remembered sitting down hard on the end of the bed, harder than she had wanted to; he’d regretted his proposal. She didn’t look at him when she’d asked him to go, "please go Klinton, I will do what I can to get you released." She would seek his release from the banns. She would set him free if it was in her power to do so.

. Klinton had muttered as he turned from her suite and returned to his own, "that's all I wanted to do in the first place."

. She remembered clearly telling the Kaiser that they only had their license, and that vows had not yet been made before the Arch Bishop, with any luck, they never would have to, but fate and the Kaiser had not been kind.

. The memory shifted to her disastrous audience with the Kaiser, and she remembered clearly his words and the icy tone he had used; “We do not approve of your choice of betrothals. However, We did give Our acceptance of your choice, because of who you are. We will not change that. You will marry him.”

. She’d flinched as though his words had been a physical blow then, and now. “Majesty, I cannot force him to the cathedral on the morrow!” Some part of reason had to reach the Kaiser, it simply had to. But it had not.

. He had lifted his hand, giving a slight motion and said, “You will not have to, Marchioness.” Then a troop of Imperial Guards escorted Klinton into the Royal Audience Chamber. He was marched before the Kaiser, and he did manage a formal bow, but his body language fairly screamed a complete loss of will.

The Kaiser had also summoned the Arch Bishop, and before that company, and with a hostile fiancé, they had been married; locked forever more one to the other.

Could a marriage get off to a worse start? Azjah pondered the memories as the sun dipped below the horizon.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Dyson turned on a few lights. Nothing excessively bright nor terribly close to where she sat, he was well practiced at reading Azjah’s moods and wants. Tonight was an evening for soft lighting and silence. Even music would be unwelcome this night. He made his way unobtrusively across the marble floor and disappeared down the far hallway as he headed for his own rooms. His task had been completed some time ago, but even that news wasn’t something he would disturb her with this evening. Besides, she would know simply by his passing through that the task had been completed.

Dyson decided that in the morning, he would bring in the decorator who had done the original construction to make further changes to the Marquess’ suite. There should be nothing that remained to remind her, and that meant changing the room, and indeed the furniture too. He would have that stored deeply in the lower levels of the Palazzo, well out of sight and mind.

Dominik arrived on silent feet some time later. He materialized in the entry between the foyer and the Great Room. For long minutes he simply watched the woman who was currently curled up tightly on a Louis XIII settee. Great sorrow radiated from her, but beneath that sorrow was something stronger.

He moved toward her, pausing near the settee, “May I join you Marchioness?” He had the same black velvet voice of his people. It caressed as surely as a physical touch when he chose to use his voice, and tonight he took the liberty of using his voice as a way to convey his understanding of her mood. A Carpathian’s voice could sooth or slay, depending on the need, and a Carpathian sorcerer seemed to have the art utterly mastered.

Azjah lifted her eyes to Dominik, and then she motioned to a chair beside the settee, “Please do Dominik.”

The Dragonseeker sat down and silence reigned between them for several more minutes. “Is there anything I can do to make this easier or less painful?” He skipped the preliminary chatter, this woman would not appreciate them, and he’d been in the household long enough to know that she valued the honesty of her Carpathian companions. There was no reason to ruffle her with inane chatter.

Azjah swirled the virtually untouched scotch in the finely cut lead crystal glass, “I wish there were Dominik, but if there is, I cannot imagine what it might be.”

He nodded, “Perhaps you will give me a description of your home then? Help me prepare for our arrival?” He had only heard bits and pieces about her world, and knew that it was a Feudal Society in a high technology world. The incongruities of that blend even now struck him as a potential pitfall for the unwary. The fact that Gabriel would not be making this trip was a stark reminder to him that his place here was unsettled. He had garnered images from Gabriel, but not enough to prepare him for this trip and the delicate nature of its necessity.

Her pale blue eyes settled on Dominik then. She knew what he was doing, and a part of her appreciated his efforts. The selfish part of her wanted to be left alone tonight though. Azjah took a sip of the scotch, “Are you inquiring of my home, as in Triberg House, or my home, as in Festungsmauer?”

Dominik gave her a vague smile, “I would like to know what to expect when we arrive. I cannot protect you as I should without knowing the lay of the land so to speak.” He noted that her pulse increased slightly, the first sign of stress about what was to come.

Azjah uncurled slightly, “Festungsmauer is the Capitol City of Rigel. It has a population of 2.6 million people. The city is situated on the shores of the Tethys Sea. Two rivers empty into the aqua waters of the sea. The bluffs to the east are where the Imperial Palace is located. There is a main square where the office complex for the government has been built beside the almost medieval looking castle.”

“We think it best exemplifies the dual nature of our society. The rock solid foundation of our feudal government is housed in the fortress that ages ago kept the people safe. And in the intervening centuries, we’ve moved into the glass and chrome building that signifies our expansion into the universe. Our ability to master technology and grow.” She paused and sipped the scotch, “You see Dominik, Rigelians are a complex people with a long and storied past, and as we see it, a glorious future ahead of us.”

“The capitol is an intriguing blend of very ancient and cutting edge styles. Many of the Peers come from old, old lineages, and most have town homes of stone with curtain walls and crenellations. It cements our ties with the past I suppose. Reminds us where we have been, how long we have existed. And there are those who embrace the future.”

“The Imperial Palace commands the highest point in the city. Streets run radially out from the central square. My family home is on Octans Way. We have had a member of the family there for nearly 700 years. Triberg House was originally called Lusthaus. It was renamed 340 years ago by a relation that saw an opportunity to add the landstat of Triberg to his holdings. It has been Triberg House ever since.”

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

The Imperial Palace

Kaiser Wolfgang sat in his study when a chime sounded. He bade entry and a non-descript male entered the study, pausing to bow before the Emperor.

“Rise, your report is expected.” The Kaiser set down his glass as he leaned back to listen to his spy.

“Your Majesty, I have done as you requested, and just now returned from RhyDin. The Marchioness has been loyal to the Empire. She has engaged profitably in the license granted her by Your generosity. Her work on Lacerta has been valuable, and she sustained a heavy loss when the satellite station was blown up by the Cepheans.” He was prepared to go on, but the Kaiser cut him short.

“We are aware of the mundane aspects of Our cousin’s affairs. We engaged you to find out what brings her to Us now without agenda published.”

The fellow nodded, “Yes Your Majesty. The Marchioness has been living alone at her home for two years. It seems the Marquess departed two years ago and has not returned. When asking around the town, no one has seen the man, and rumor has it that he departed shortly after they returned from Rigel. The woman has remained true to the Marquess despite her advisors seeking to have the Marquess declared deceased.”

The Kaiser’s lifted hand stopped the report there, “Have you investigated the where abouts of the Marquess personally?”

The spy nodded, “Yes Your Majesty, I have. He took the vessel Star Dagger to seek for information regarding his own mother. The vessel vanished approximately 3 months into the flight. No traces of the homing beacon have been found. The vessel has not put in to any port retaining records of inbound flights. There have been no messages, nor any response to sent communications. For all intents, it appears that either the man desires not to be found, or the ship has come to some form of demise. No wreckage has been found, but as you know Sire, a black hole or a worm hole would leave no trace behind. The Marquess is not an experienced pilot, he could easily have flown himself into distress.”

The Kaiser lifted a brow. “We had not heard that Our Marquess had gone missing.” This was news he should have had from the Marchioness some time ago. He frowned slightly before telling the reporter to continue.

“The advice to declare the Marquess dead has been rejected by the woman. However, there are no pressing issues beyond the financial loss on Lacerta, or the mineralogical discoveries she is developing. Her reasons for seeking Your audience are unclear. Supposition based on the fact that she has been keeping the close company of a Colonel of the I.I.S.C. is that she will seek release from her marriage, but I could not confirm that before my return to You.” The spy remained unmoving as he waited for the Kaiser to digest his information.

Wolfgang steepled his fingers together as he thought. “We have intermittent dealings with that organization. Perhaps this association is business on behalf of Us?”

The Spy considered that. “Majesty, that is always possible. The reports suggest that if there is business associated with this condition, it is only part of the entirety. The man spends a great deal of time in her company.”

The Kaiser nodded, “And these mineralogical developments? What information?”

He spoke clearly, “The development on RhyDin is sapphire and platinum. She has taken a woman of strong magical talent as a partner; this woman’s name is simply known as Kairee. The partnership has yielded a strong output of mineral and ore, but the partner has reserved the rights to ‘special’ sapphires. A series of old runes have been found in the mine. They are being deciphered now. The Pyxis development is slow. There is no site manager yet, the man selected has quit the company before he could be transported to the location. Security is tight, but production has not gone into optimum output based on the geological reports.”

Wolfgang lifted a hand again, “The Marchioness has partnered with a magic user?”

“This Kairee is more than a simple magic user; she is powerful and potentially dangerous.”

A soft ‘hmm’ came from Wolfgang, “Continue.”

“The partner has a crew of dwarves and another magic user stationed at all times in the mines. The Marchioness has a team there as well; the mining engineer and the geologist, along with several specialists compliment the team. They have had strong production, and the Partner has secured several unique sapphires, but she wants none of the platinum.”

Wolfgang nodded, “We are not interested in the mining operations. We sent you to discover the reason for this audience.”

The spy swallowed, “You Majesty, the woman keeps her personal life close, and her retainers are not disposed to speaking about her, it was only through hear-say and rumor that I have been able to give you the information that I have.”

The Kaiser’s ice blue eyes lit on the spy. “We are not interested in your reasons for difficulty, or are you admitting failure in your mission?”

The spy dropped his gaze from the Emperor’s cold one, “No, Your Majesty. The most logical reason for her request for Your Audience is to seek release from her vows of matrimony.”

The Kaiser sat in silence, his eagle sharp gaze locked on his spy. Silence reigned for long minutes.

“You know this for certain, or is this your ‘best guess’?” The words were laced with disdain.

“I cannot know the mind of the woman, Majesty. The indications suggest that her only plausible reason could be that she desires release from a husband who has been gone for so long.” He tried not to fidget beneath the stare from the Imperial Sovereign.

Wolfgang remained silent. None of what he had heard from three of his information seekers differed in substance. Could it be that his cousin was coming for something so unacceptable? He waved the spy out, and the man backed toward the door as a guard opened it for him, leaving Wolfgang to consider the situation.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Some time later, the Empress slid silently into his study, she paused over his shoulder, her hands resting on his shoulder as she gently massaged the muscles there that were tense. “Something you wish to talk about?” She asked him. She never knew when or if he would want to discuss whatever was vexing him, but she never failed to offer him the opportunity to talk about whatever preyed on his mind. When he said no, she always left it alone. He had enough people pestering him.

Wolfgang looked up at her, “It seems I am about to be asked by a Peer for a marriage dissolution.”

She raised both brows at him, “Such a thing is extraordinary. What grounds does he seek to remove his lawful wife?”

Wolfgang smiled at her, “It is she seeking release from her vows.”

The Empress’ hands stopped their heavenly massaging, “Such a thing just is not done, is it?” She knew divorce was not done in the Peerage, of course some of the lower classes did, but Peers? They remained tied one to the other and kept discreet affairs.

Wolfgang sighed, “It is rare. We DO have an example to set. Marriage is supposed to be until the death of one or the other. Yet….” His voice trailed off. He thought back to this particular marriage. One his father had forced on unwilling partners. “This particular couple had been forced to take vows.”

The Empress moved to kneel in front of her husband, “Many marriages of Peers are arranged, long before some reach the age of commitment, certainly nothing unusual in that.” He still hadn’t said which couple, but he would enlighten her if he desired.

He nodded, but was not really seeing her as he did so, he was looking at something only he could see. “No, marriages are arranged to strengthen our world. In this case, perhaps it would be wisest to grant the dissolution, and arrange a more advantageous union."

The Empress was now extremely curious, but still refrained from inquiring whom her husband now spoke about.

Wolfgang stood and paced to the windows overlooking the city below. He would have to give this situation some considerable thought before his vassal stood before him.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Wolfgang dismissed his wife and sent for Arch Bishop Wilhelm. When the aging cleric arrived, he was ushered into Wolfgang’s study, where the Kaiser motioned for the octogenarian to be seated. The old man gave his sovereign a brief inclination of his head as he settled onto one of the least cushioned seats available. Wilhelm did not like the soft opulence of the Imperial Palace, but he also could no more deny a summons than any other subject of the Crown.

The Arch Bishop settled before looking at the Kaiser, “You sought my counsel, Kaiser Wolfgang?”

It always grated on Wolfgang that the clerics would not consent to calling him ‘milord’. But he needed the cleric’s input, and this was not the time to debate the finer points of lordship. “Yes, I need to know the Church’s stand on marriage dissolution under a variety of circumstances.”

Wilhelm’s white brow rose fractionally. “The Kaiser knows well enough that The Religion does not approve of divorce. Vows said before G~d are not vows that mankind can simply break when we desire.”

Wolfgang regarded the man long moments. Even these pauses never ruffled the old one’s calm. “What does The Religion say about marriage vows when one mate disappears without a trace for, say, one year?”

The Arch Bishop quietly regarded Wolfgang, he was used to these oblique questions, and knew that the Kaiser would never simply come out and ask the one question on his mind. “A year is insufficient cause to set aside a G~d sanctioned mate. Many things may keep a spouse from returning in a year.”

Wolfgang nodded, “And what it that time were doubled?”

Wilhelm steepled his fingers, “What took the spouse away? If it is war, no, two years is not sufficient. Was it exploration? Again, not sufficient time has elapsed. The reason for the absence must now be considered.”

The Kaiser nodded, “If the disappearance is not in service of the crown, does that impact anything?”

Wilhelm’s white head shook, “No, the reason has little to do with vows, unless the departure is willful desertion. Then the deserted spouse may petition for annulment or dissolution.” His shrewd old gaze held Wolfgang’s, “You have a real situation, or are we discussing theology for the sake of theology?”

Wolfgang lifted a brow at the old one’s temerity. “My reasons remain my own.”

The Arch Bishop lowered his gaze. “As you wish Kaiser.”

Wolfgang leaned back into his chair, “So, in the event that a wife deserts her husband, what would be the acceptable time before the husband petitions for dissolution?”

Wilhelm gave a slight shrug, “A husband may petition any time he can prove he has been deserted.”

Wolfgang nodded, “And if the woman is the petitioner?”

The Arch Bishop stiffened slightly, “A woman? It is not usually accepted. A petition for abandonment of a wife is a rare thing. She would need a male relative to place the petition on her behalf. Women may not speak during the vows, and they may not speak to undo the vows.”

Wolfgang canted his head, “What if there are no male relatives?”

The Arch Bishop leaned forward slightly, “Then she must wait for his return.”

The Kaiser frowned, “And if this woman could be useful to Us?”

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

The Arch Bishop was on a tricky slope now, the Kaiser was the Supreme authority in maters of secular nature, but Wilhelm was the authority in the realm on matters of the soul. Was he ready for such a battle of wills? “Women are useful for many things Kaiser. Would you grant license to her if the request violated the tenets of The Religion?”

Wolfgang gave the old cleric a smile, “When the good of the Empire is under discussion, the damage to the soul of a female pales in comparison to the need of Our lands.” Wolfgang knew had had the tacit consent of The Religion. It mattered not to him what became of a female soul. She was useful to him now. “So, let us say that this woman is absolved of her vows, who in Our realm has need of a wife? We are looking for the most advantageous match to Our holdings Arch Bishop, forget that not.”

Wilhelm wondered briefly who the woman was, but for the moment, it really did not matter. Her soul was forfeit for seeking to dissolve holy vows. He thought for several minutes. “Prince Sheldon of Volans lost his wife last year to a fever unique to his world. He has not remarried. Praetor Xolchimec has a son not yet wed, although the distances to Apus would mean that the woman would not likely ever return to Rigel. Baron Stephano of Deneb is rather old, but widowed, and currently has no male heir. I believe King Raan’tan’ic of Berenices is still seeking his next wife. Although his record would not bode well for this woman, he has had 9 wives in 15 years. All met tragic ends.”

Wolfgang listened to his best options as they were laid out by the cleric. The far reaches of Apus were not attractive. He would not waste this opportunity on some far flung territory. No, he would use this pawn for something much closer. The Berenices King was known for doing away with wives for any number of reasons. Raan’tan’ic would not be a wise choice either. So the Volans Prince; or the Deneb Baron seemed the best options at the moment.

Wilhelm waited in silence as the Kaiser thought. When the sovereign looked again at the cleric, Wilhelm did something few in the realm dared, “You will condemn this woman’s soul for gain?”

Wolfgang stood abruptly, “You are dismissed cleric. Do not presume to judge me!”

The Arch Bishop rose and bowed his head before backing away from the Kaiser. Wolfgang turned his back and allowed the old cleric to turn as well and walk forward toward the door. It was a courtesy Wolfgang afforded few in his world. Wilhelm knew well he was treated with more courtesy than most. As he returned to his own Spartan quarters, he wondered which Peer was about to be sacrificed for the ‘good of the Realm’.

Wolfgang sent for his Scribe. Messages would be sent to Prince Sheldon, and Baron Stephano. They would be invited to Rigel to meet the Marchioness. He would begin negotiations after they had seen what he had to offer. The Kaiser smiled, this was a promising situation. Then he had a message sent to Triberg House. She would arrive 3 days hence, and his summons would be waiting for her. “Marchioness, We welcome you home once more, and look forward to the pleasure of your company at the Palace for a dinner. We will host yourself, the Prince of Volans, and the Baron of Deneb the evening after your arrival. Drinks at 8:00 PM, dinner to follow.” It was initialed and seal affixed before being delivered to the Major Domo of Triberg House.

[Wil Savage]

Savage lifted himself off the bunk and touched the sensor that gave the room subdued light. He was in shorts, t-shirt, and socks; and he knew how to be quiet as he navigated the hallways of the ship to get to the fight deck. Dominik was seated in the kitchenette area and saw Wil as he approached.

“You never sleep?” Wil asked, trying to be light. “Well, it’s okay, Dominik.I can’t sleep either, so I thought I’d used the ship’s data banks to refresh myself on the customs and history of Rigel. I don’t want to embarrass the Marchioness by doing something wrong.” Dominik nodded, seeming to approve the use of the time. What Wil didn’t say was that he was actually going to use the data banks to look up Carpathians to find out why Azjah seemed to always have one shadowing her.

Wil took his usual seat, brought the ship’s computers to life and accessed the data banks. He could see Dominik in the reflection of the ship’s forward window, and it was obvious that Dominik was making sure it was Rigel that Wil was investigating. So Wil typed in:

INQUIRY: “RIGEL” and then “ROYALTY”.

Dominik seemed satisfied and went back to his seat.

The last seven Kaisers came up on the screen, and even though this was not what Wil came to see, he found it interesting to read.

Johannes: Rigel became a powerhouse to be feared. Strong military, strong feudal ruling class. Swallowed opponents almost without resistance. The Empress was as influential as the Emperor for the first time in Rigelian history.

Hariberct: First successful secession from the Rigelian Empire. Murdered on the Imperial Palace lawns during a speech.

Gairbert: Reclaimed Pyxis in a bloody siege, added the Terem Cross wing to the palace.

Dailus: Ruled until age 92. First emperor to make use of biotechnical alterations to extend his life.

Joachim II: Required all nobles to incorporate biotech implants to extend life.

Joachim III: Assassinated by the Earl of Tuebingen

Wolfgang II: Extant Kaiser

All very good and interesting, but he had leaned much of this before his two trips to Rigel on I.I.S.C. business. It suddenly occurred to him that it would be interesting to see how Azjah fit into all this Rigelian royalty.

He typed in: INQUIRY: “AZJAH CAER”

Data began to flood the screen.

Azjah Telyria Danaan Caer: Marchioness von Triberg, Baroness von Drachen Walde. The title Grand Duke/Duchess was returned to the crown upon the death of the Grand Duke.

Parents:
Mother: Ozeana Arelia Baerwulf Danaan Grand Duchess of Hessia, Markgraefin von Triberg, Baroness von Drachen Walde, now deceased.
Father: Tornach Erik Velcon Danaan, Grand Duke of Hessia, Markgraf von Triberg, Baron von Drachen Walde, now deceased.
Parents killed in an explosion aboard their yacht on the 4th day of the 7th month of the 14th year of the reign of Kaiser Joachim III. The explosion was not accidental, but no charges have been filed against those responsible. Suspicion surrounds the former Duke of Tuebingen, but he has not been tied to the explosion sufficiently enough to be charged.

Siblings: None known

Age: 36 Rigelian years, born 17th day of the 2nd month of the 54th year of the reign of Kaiser Joachim II.

Marital status: Klinton Caer of RhyDin, married the 22nd day of the 11th month of the 33rd year of the reign of Kaiser Joachim II. Performed at the Imperial Palace by Arch Bishop Wilhelm.

Children: 1 female child, deceased in utero 15 months ago. Buried on Auriga. Child perished before birth.

Important notes:
Subject was victim of attempted kidnapping from the University 15 years ago. Assailant identified as retainer to Kendrick Albrecht.

Subject was shot at with pulse laser during social event at Viscount Theim's annual gala. Assailant never identified. Wound destroyed 3 ribs right side and part of right lung. Reconstruction required.

Subject was fired upon during negotiations with Deneb. Wounded by laser fire. Damage superficial.

Subject was shot with high powered rifle in RhyDin 4 years ago. Assailant never identified. Shot was .50 caliber, destroyed left shoulder, complete reconstruction required.

Subject was exchanged as a hostage release to Raavich. Remainder of file is sealed.

Subject's vehicle was bombed in Festungsmauer 2.5 years ago. Assailant determined to be Kendrick Albrecht, who had gone missing after his assassination of Kaiser Joachim III.

Subject's vessel Star Dragon fired upon by Cephean's during last trip to Lacerta. Satelite base destroyed on St. Albans.

Current body guards: Twin Carpathian's Lucien and Gabriel Daratrazanov. Lucien however will need to be replaced. Human head of security on RhyDin is Eoin Griogar, human. Head of security on Rigel: Commander Fulco Notheisen, Rigelian.

Biotechnical implants:
4 replacement ribs
1 lung
Appearance altering dermal implant left shoulder

Holdings:
CEO of Drachen Walde Industries. Products: weapons, explosives, specialty devices. Licensed by the Crown.

Estimated value: 2.4 billion Platinum

Several things stuck out in Wil’s mind. The first was the name Kendrick Albrecht. The second was Raavich and the sealed file. The third was Fulco Notheisen. For most men it might have been the 2.4 billion Platinum, but Wil had enough money stashed away that it was of no concern. Wil’s services to the I.I.S.C. didn’t come cheap, and they were willing to transfer the negotiated money into his account promptly with each completed assignment. Wil also noticed her age. The 36 Rigelian years would make her several years older than himself. That didn’t bother him, but the Carpathian body guards did.

Wil remembered his original purpose for being on the ships data banks. He began to type:

INQUIRY: “CARPATHIANS”

[Wil Savage]

The ship accessed the Rigelian data banks available to it, and responded to the inquiry – CARPATHIANS.

Carpathians live many times longer than humans. The maximum lifespan is unknown, but several have lived to the age of 2000 years. In addition to living longer than humans, Carpathians age much more slowly. In their childhood, they age roughly at the same rate as humans. Once they reach physical adulthood, their aging process slows dramatically, and they maintain their physical peaks for centuries.

Carpathians survive by drinking the blood of humans, but unlike vampires, they do not kill their human prey. Carpathians use their telepathic abilities to “call” humans to them in order to feed, and then use those same abilities to erase the humans’ memory of the incident. All vampires were once Carpathians. A Carpathian male "turns" into a vampire when he kills while feeding or loses his lifemate.

Carpathians mate for life. This is because males and females are different in nature; while the females are filled with compassion and light, the males are filled with an inner darkness, capable of great violence. After 200 years, a male Carpathian loses the ability to feel emotions, sexual desire and see in color. As a result, the darkness slowly spreads and consumes their souls. At this time, the only thing they feel is the thrill when they are about to make a kill. The only way they are returned to them is when a male finds his lifemate, the "light" to his darkness, the other half of his soul. Once lifemates find one another, the male recites the bonding words. Once this is done, it cannot be undone. They must touch minds and share their bodies often.

All Carpathians have the gift of telepathy, the ability to speak “mind to mind” to one another. This telepathic ability can cover vast distances, even across oceans. Once two Carpathians have exchanged blood, they can communicate with one another without anyone else hearing them. Lifemates use this ability to strengthen their bond with one another. They use this ability to call humans to them in order to feed. Vampires often plant compulsions, compelling humans to commit awful acts, including murder. In addition, they have the gift to communicate with animals.

All Carpathians have the ability to shapeshift into various animals. They most often use the forms of wolves, owls, bats, and leopards. They can also take to form of mist or fog. They often use these forms to protect their sensitive eyes if they have to rise before the sun completely sets or they need to enter and leave a dwelling undetected.

Col. Savage immediately took out his digipad and established a link with the ship’s computer and downloaded all the data he received on the Carpathians, Azjah, and the Rigelian Royalty. He then had the digipad erase every trace that he had been on the ship’s data banks except for the Rigelian Royalty. Dominik had known about that and it would look suspicious if there were no trace of that access. Wil disconnected the digipad, shut down the data bank connection and restored the computer to its previous condition.

He then pocketed the digipad and sat in the chair and used I.I.S.C. training to let his mind clear, his only thought being that of the current Kaiser. When ready, he rose to his feet and walked back to his room, giving Dominik a nod and smile as he passed by.

(Note: Carpathian info from Wikipedia)

[Wil Savage]

Back in his berth he encoded the new data and sat on his bunk and thought about what he had read. There was no need to read it again. His memory was nearly photographic. Carpathians survive by drinking the blood of humans, but they don’t kill their prey. He wondered how long they could go without feeding, but he guessed that five days in space would more than exceed that length of time. If Dominik didn’t weaken, there was only one conclusion that could be reached. And what of Gabriel and all the time he spent with Azjah? The same conclusion. Wil muttered the kind of curses that he hadn’t uttered since he left his home planet. She was a Carpathian blood doll.

There was more.

There was the telepathy. The Carpathians and Azjah were in constant communication. It was worse. Wil suddenly realized that he was never really “alone” with Azjah. “Holy shit,” he muttered. Now he realized what had happened to Gabriel. It was all coming together.

His fist came down on the mattress. “You never learn, Wil. Ignorance is bliss. It’s ***ing bliss,” he thought to himself.

[Wil Savage]

Azjah woke in the darkness with the distinct impression of being needed . . . although where, or by whom, she couldn't tell. With a glance at the chronometer, she rose in the familiar darkness and dressed before heading into the common area, and a quick check on auto pilot settings.

Wil had not been able to sleep. His mind was racing a mile a minute with all kinds of scenarios. Several hours had passed with minimal sleep and he knew it wasn't going to get better. He thought that perhaps a little drink or two...or three would help, so he walked out of his berth, still in his shorts and t-shirt, heading to the food and drink. Azjah smiled as she saw Wil head for the food replicator. “Good morning.”

He was more than a little surprised to see Azjah up so early. "Good morning," he said, thinking that was the end of his drink and the beginning of coffee instead. Didn't matter, he wouldn't get back to sleep anyway. "Sleep well?"

Azjah walked toward him from the cockpit. "I did, pleasant dreams as I recall, and you?" She noted the shorts and tee shirt, "You don’t appear to have had such a luxury."

Wil looked at her and wondered if Dominik had used her to feed last night. "I didn't sleep very well. I didn't think you'd be up so soon. I'll go get dressed. Just need some coffee. You know how it is - new ship, new schedule...all that." Actually, he never had trouble sleeping in space, but Azjah didn't know that.

She canted her head at him, “You don't need to get changed for me; sit down and let me get you some coffee. As I recall, you don't care for tea.”

He was so conflicted. On the one hand he wanted to kiss her; on the other, if he did he'd be looking for fang marks on her neck. It nearly made him sick to his stomach, but he wouldn't let on. Wil forced a smile, "You're right. I'd love a cup. Thank you."

Azjah asked for the coffee, pausing, "Milk? Sugar? Cinnamon?"

"Half and half, and some sweetener, please. I'm not hard core with coffee."

She laughed softly and requested the brew before asking for cranberry tea. "So, I confess I am surprised that you didn't sleep well, I would not expect a pilot of your experience to have trouble in a new vessel." Setting the cup down at his right hand, and leaning over to kiss his cheek before curling up in the chair next him.

He so wanted to pull her onto his lap; so many emotions were flooding through him. "Thank you." He took the coffee and sipped it. "It's not the ship, but just the anxiety of seeing the Kaiser and what might happen there." That part was certainly true. "I even got up and did some research on the Kaisers. I don't want to embarrass you when we're standing in front of him." He knew she'd find out, and this was the perfect opportunity to mention it in a nonchalant way.

"And did you find anything so significant that you had to alter the way you would have approached him?" Still feeling something very wrong this 'morning' in him, but cannot place what it might be. "You wouldn’t be likely to embarrass me, Wil; not with your training and background." She sipped the tea and watched him, "Any questions?"

"Well, it's been two years since I've been on Rigel, and I've been a many other planets since. I always like to refresh myself." He sipped his coffee. "When we walk into his presence, what should I do? I didn't see any protocol there for that."

Azjah set down her tea and rose, walking behind Wil's chair, resting her hands lightly on his shoulders before leaning close to his ear, softly whispering, "Do not address him first.....end everything you say with, "Your Majesty," and when we leave, do not turn your back on him."

She rested her cheek against his a moment, "Now would you like to tell me what is truly bothering you?"

He knew all that and more, but he had to think of something to ask. Of course, her touch could cause him to forget everything, anyway. Azjah’s next question caught him by surprise but he knew it shouldn't have. She was smart and knew him too well already, something that he was not disappointed with; after all, he loved her very much. Wil took a long sip and leaned into her touch and was quiet for quiet some time. "You feel that something is bothering me?” He wondered if she was simply guessing or actually knew.

"Wil, most Rigelian's are somewhat empathic, I can tell when you're troubled, but I cannot read your thoughts. So yes, you are unsettled or troubled about something, and I just don't think it's the Kaiser. You've met his equals before somewhere, some time.

Wil took a deep breath. He was not one to have secrets from someone he loved, not unless they were I.I.S.C. secrets and he was required to keep silence. "Okay. There's something. I admit it. I was curious about Gabriel and Dominik. I checked out Carpathians." He didn't need to say more. He'd see what she would say next.

Azjah stood then, moving around to her own chair where she could watch his eyes, "Ah, and their habits weren’t well known to you before now?"

"Believe it or not, Carpathians are not very important in my sector of the galaxy. No vampires are, not of any type. There's the occasional race that drinks blood, but it's not nearly as common as I've found on Rhydin. It turns out that Rhydin is quite unusual in the galaxy . . . in many ways. So, no, they were not known to me. Had I my usual access to I.I.S.C. files, I would have known long ago." He waited for Azjah to say more. He was not going to ask . . . not quite yet.

Azjah's pale blue gaze held his deeper blue eyes, "Well, first, it is a misconception that Carpathians are vampyres, at least they are not until they kill a victim. And the fact that Carpathians aren’t on the IISC radar isn’t truly a surprise; they shun most of the races we know." She curled up then, and continued to hold his eyes, "You have trouble with blood drinkers?" Azjah glanced down the hall then toward where Dominik now rested. "Or is your discomfort closer to us, in that you worry you may be fed from?"

He looked to Azjah, "I will not allow myself to be fed from, but I assume you do."

She paused at that, "I have a tie to three Carpathians, yes. Have you never fed a friend dinner, Wil?"

He set the coffee down, "Yes, I have; but a piece of my body was never on the menu. And when they had a burger, they never left with any mental connection to me."

She gave him a gentle smile, "Wil, the blood of your body is renewable; the burger is a dead animal, it can never live and breathe again. It only feeds you once, and then it's gone."

He looked to Azjah, loving her so much. "But the bite of the burger didn't involve me at all. How much of you are Dominik and Gabriel aware of. Are we ever alone, Azjah?" Did she really not comprehend the difference between sharing a meal and sharing your self? Or had this all become such a common place action that she no longer gave it any thought? He wondered.

"The blood connection?" She rose then and walked slowly around the periphery of the room. "Carpathian hearing is extraordinary Wil. Are we alone? Do you see Dominik? He is not here, yet there is nowhere on this ship we could go where his hearing wouldn’t be able to discern our conversations." She paused and turned toward him, "We learn to tune each other out, Wil."

"What does it feel like, Azjah. When he puts his mouth to your neck and drains blood from you? That must be a very intimate moment that bonds you to the Carpathians." Wil was indeed hurting inside. He was trying to be objective to the entire process, and if he didn't love Azjah, it would’ve been easy. Carpathians would normally mean no more to him than any other race. He could order their planet for destruction as well as any other that might be in a trade route. Yet, this was different.

Azjah walked toward him then, kneeling before him, "Wil, are you asking if it is erotic? What happens is very different between a Carpathian and his mate, and a Carpathian and a feeding. What does it feel like? It is like being suspended between two worlds . . . no pain, but no erotic rush either. I fill a crucial need for these three, and until Gabriel's incident, only two, but I can no more tell Dominik to go hungry than I could tell you that. "

Wil reached out his hands and took her face between them. "Then tell me this. How would you feel if there were three beautiful women who would come to me in the night and use me for their nourishment on a regular basis? Even though it wasn't erotic for me, would you be happy if I told you I was just relieving their hunger?" He looked into her eyes, and hurt as if he was sharing someone he loved deeply.

Azjah gently rubbed her cheek against the palms of his hands, "I would not like it very much, but three don’t come all at once . . . only the guardian with me on long flights, and only in needful circumstances." She turned to kiss his right palm then. "If there were another way Wil, I would take it now that you've come into my life, such a thing troubles you, and I had not considered your view on it."

Wil just nodded and smiled. He was so conflicted in his heart. She didn’t understand, for whether it was three at once or one at a time, what was the difference? If there was always a beautiful woman around who could hear all they say, know his thoughts, be his protector and sink her teeth into his neck whenever she was hungry, he was sure that Azjah would be feeling what he was feeling at this moment. At least, he hoped so. "It was easier when I didn't know the details and only suspected something. I've got a problem and I admit it. I'm not good at sharing a woman whom I love, even if it's just for a meal. I'll try to get used to it . . . for now." He gave her a smile and squeezed her hand.

She moved closer to him, her finger tip beneath his chin, drawing him closer to her, "They might need my blood on trips such as this, but the part of me that you have captured they can never touch, Wil Savage."

Her words nearly brought tears to his eyes, and he had never been one to shed tears lightly. He leaded closer to Azjah and placed a hand against her cheek. "I love you, Azjah. I love you very much. I'll try to cope the best I can since you feel that you need them around." Wil looked to Azjah and the look showed his determination and sincerity in what he was about to speak. "If any of them come for me, I'll kill them, Azjah. I'm sorry, but I don't allow it. I’ll kill them."

Her voice was a soft caress, "Wil, they would not approach you unless you offered, and so much has happened in my life, it was felt by powers higher than myself that such bodyguards were needed." Her lips brushed his gently, "You've wound your way into my heart Wil, and I long for the day I can say I love you."

He looked into her eyes with his deep blues. "I long for that day too, Azjah." He gave her a weak and rather forced smile, but he couldn’t stay this close to her. He was hurting and not ready to be this close right now. "I better get dressed. I shouldn't be sitting here like this." He stood and looked down on her. "Thanks for the coffee. I'll be back as soon as I clean up."

She watched him go with a strange mixture of pain and relief – pain in that she couldn’t yet tell him she that loved him, for to do so would be all kinds of wrong while she was married to another man; and relief that she was not alone in what she felt. They would land in Rigel tomorrow, and with any luck, the Kaiser would set her free.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Azjah sipped the now cold tea and gave it a grimace of distaste before rising and requesting a new cup of cranberry tea. As she waited, Dominik appeared near her left elbow, “Good rising Marchioness.”

Azjah gave Domink a smile, “Good rising Dominik, I trust flight has not disturbed your rest?”

He shook his head, “No, my rest is not disturbed. However, it would seem that my needs have disturbed Colonel Savage.”

Azjah knew this discussion was coming. There was no where on the ship that they could have had their discussion without Dominik having heard the entire thing. “Yes, he is disturbed by the fact that I allow my blood to serve you while we are in flight. And I confess, I had not ever looked at it the way he has done.”

Dominik motioned for her to take a seat, and once she had, he too sat down. His unusual metallic eyes held hers as she mulled over what had just transpired. “You know Dominik, I have always looked at this as simply a platonic relationship and a case of need during our flights, but Wil had looked at it as ‘sharing’ me. Is it? Is there something in this that I have overlooked?”

“Would you be pleased to share him with beautiful women, even if it were just for need?”

Azjah shivered, those were nearly Wil’s very words. “No, I would not like that one bit, even knowing there is nothing erotic about it.”

Dominik’s brow lifted, “Is there not?”

Azjah gave him a startled look as she was about to sip the hot tea, “None of the three of you have held me as a lover, there has been no rush of pleasure, nor pain, as is usually associated with vampyre attacks. What have I missed?”

“Do you remember the first time Lucien fed?” His attention remained on her with that stillness that all Carpathian’s are capable of holding.

Color drained from Azjah’s features, and all she managed was a single nod. Yes, she remembered well the day she’d rescued both of the twins. But that had never happened again! “Are you telling me that Lucien and Gabriel have erased memories?” Something cold slithered down her spine.

“I am telling you that some things are better when they are not known or realized.” He watched her closely before adding, “You would have suffered guilt, and they sought to protect you, not burden you.”

Azjah set the tea cup down, “Is there any other way?”

Dominik silently regarded her for long minutes, “There are always alternatives. Would you like me to have a brief discussion with the Colonel?”

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Dominik left Azjah and headed down the narrow hall, pausing at the second door a moment before giving it a light knock. He knew just how the Colonel felt, and this was not a discussion he was in a hurry to have, and yet it was one that could not be avoided either. He waited after the knock, hearing the man moving about inside.

Wil had finished changing into his uniform but had yet to take out his blaster. He had been brushing his teeth when the knock came, so he spit out the water. "Coming." He rinsed his mouth then walked to the door with his towel drying his face, expecting to see Azjah. "I was just coming . . . " he opened the door and saw Dominik. "Dominik. All okay out there?"

The tall Carpathian sorcerer gave him an old world bow, "There are things that could use improvement Colonel, I wonder if I might have a word?" The human had expected to see the Marchioness, but was in fact disappointed by Dominik’s presence.

Wil bowed and nodded, and stood aside, "Of course, please come in." Wil had nothing against Carpathians. There was much he admired about them. Nevertheless, he was not about to share a woman he loved with anyone else, no matter how much he respected the person.

Dominik looked past him to the confines of the room. "Have you seen the cargo hold?" He preferred to meet the Colonel in a larger, more open area, and further away from the Marchioness, whom they needed to discuss.

Wil shook his head as he went to place the towel back. "No, I haven't. I've been in these ships before. I know what they look like."

"Perhaps a bit more space is in order however Colonel?" Dominik stepped away from his door and walked toward the cargo hold, opening the seal and stepping inside, allowing Wil the option to follow or not. The cargo lighting was dim, but sufficient for even a human to see what he was doing, where he was going, yet not so bright as to trouble a Carpathian.

Wil considered strapping his plasma blaster to his thigh, but elected not to. Dominik seemed to be honorable, and Wil was a fairly good judge of character. He followed, closing his berth door behind him and entered the cargo hold. He hoped Dominik didn't want the extra room to engage in a fight.

Dominik waited in the pale bluish light. "Colonel, I trust you discovered what you sought in the computer systems?" Wil had removed his footprints, but Dominik was very adept at not only reading human thoughts, bur manipulating them as well. He knew where Wil had procured the information that had brought about the change in the man’s demeanor, and his stress increase.

Wil nodded. "Yes, I did."

"You know then that I am well aware of your feelings regarding how we survive?" Dominik studied Wil as he laid out the known points.

"Of course." Wil replied, still trying to figure out the purpose for this discussion.

"And that I know your views on what you consider 'sharing' of that woman out there?" Dominik wanted Wil to know the extent of what he knew and had heard from the Colonel. He didn’t know precisely what sites Wil had checked when he investigated Carpathians, only that he had.

"I would be surprised if you didn't." Wil moved around and looked at the Carpathian. "What's your point?"

"We must co-exist for now Colonel. Once I have other options, I will trouble you no further on the point that vexes you. Does that suffice?" There were no other options for the time being. But the Colonel needed to understand that Dominik was not taking advantage of the Marchioness. The situation was one of need rather than ‘desire’ so to speak.

"I would think that would be Azjah's decision." Wil looked directly into his eyes. "If I ask you a question, can you be perfectly honest in your answer?"

Dominik regarded Wil a moment, "Perfect honesty is a double edged weapon. Be certain it is what you want." The question was strongly in his mind, and Dominik hoped he wouldn’t ask it.

"It's what I need, Dominik. I need it to truly understand, and I'm ready to face the consequence of the answer. When a Carpathian feeds on Azjah, does either she or the one feeding feel the erotic nature of the event? Can you actually tell me there is nothing emotional, nothing erotic or pleasurable for either participant, other than, of course, the pleasure that your hunger is being satisfied?"

Dominik stilled into the stillness only possible in his kind, the dead stillness held for long minutes. "Colonel, The one donating the blood has no memories of the feeding. It is wiped from the mind and the donor goes away with fond thoughts of warmth and friendship. Such is done for reasons of protection. Lucien no longer feeds from the Marchioness. He is mated and no longer serves as her protector. There is no erotic sensation for Gabriel, he is devoid of any emotion until he finds his one true mate, I have no emotion, no reaction to a feeding." He still had not moved other than to speak, "Only a vampyre would allow the donor to feel such things and leave a memory such as that intact to torment."

Wil listened carefully. It was what wasn't said that was of interest to him. "You say that Azjah has no memories of the feeding. It's wiped from her mind. Tell me this honestly, if she was allowed to remember, would she remember a pleasurable, erotic encounter? Answer me truthfully. I will find out one way or another anyway." And Wil would. He'd tap into the I.I.S.C. data banks which have all the information he'd require.

"Colonel, the reaction varies from person to person depending on their own nature with regard to sex. Were the memories not modified, most would recall it as intensely pleasurable." The metallic green eyes locked onto Wil and gave veracity to the answer.

Wil nodded. "Thank you for your honesty, Dominik. It's what I had assumed and would have discovered. Is there anything else you wished to discuss?"

"She cannot hear this discussion. Her hearing is augmented through the blood tie to Gabriel and Lucien, but she does not possess Carpathian gifts. She also has no recollection beyond one of the reality. She is incapable of desiring to be a meal. Remember that." Dominik gave him a bow and turned to go. What Dominik did not say was something he hoped the Colonel would never need to know.

Wil was silent and watched Dominik depart. Wil was not ready to leave. He walked over to a part of the cargo hold where a crate was strapped down, and he sat back against it and just thought about all that had been said. Dominik must have known he would ask such questions. He could only assume that Dominik wanted Wil to know the truth - Azjah found it intensely pleasurable.

Dominik paused at the hatch before opening it, then stepped through and resealed the door, to return to the Common room only to find Azjah gone, but he could sense her heartbeat in the cockpit. He decided to leave her alone and vanished from view. Her life was poised on a knife’s edge. He hoped the Colonel could learn to cope with the information he’d just received.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Azjah sat alone in the cockpit of the Star Dragon, her thoughts were a million light years away from where she sat. Dominik had gone to speak with Wil, and that alone worried her because she did not know Dominik as well as she knew Lucien and Gabriel. How would the Dragonseeker approach this subject?

Wil’s reaction had been totally unexpected. But then, how many people knew about Lucien and Gabriel’s requirements? How would he take Dominik’s request to talk? Had she grown so used to her life that it had become second nature? Was she the one with the unsettling world? Or was Wil simply so insulated that he didn’t recognize her actions as being ‘normal’ actions for friends?

She frowned at the stars.

Azjah did not know many others who called Carpathian’s friends on the same level that she did. There were a few cases near Auriga where Carpathian’s had taken human families into their protection, as they had done with her, but such actions were far from common place. Carpathians generally shunned human companions. Partly they did so because humans were ‘food’, but mostly because humans couldn’t make a distinction between the evil of Vampyre, and the normalcy of Carpathian. Their past is littered with pogroms of death for the Carpathians at the hands of human ignorance. It came as no surprise to her that humans were not embraced fondly by most Carpathians.

All she had done was what she would do for any friend in need if she had such help in her power. Blood was renewable. It wasn’t like she’d been carved up and served on a platter. In fact, feeding on living blood was far less destructive than the manner in which most humanoids lived, which involved the death of an animal to provide a meal. That grisly thought was enough to make her wonder if the Carpathian’s didn’t have the right of things. Perhaps it was a great tragedy that there were not more Carpathians, and more females who could be converted. Fewer animals would have to die.

Her frown deepened as she stared unseeingly at the stars ahead.

Dominik’s words rang in her ears, “Do you remember the first time Lucien fed?” G~d help her, she did remember. Vividly.

How Dominik knew did not matter. Carpathians have so many levels of communication, and knowledge sharing, that she no longer worried about who knew what about whom.

An oath not suitable for men, let alone a lady tumbled from her lips. Her memories had been manipulated, and she had not even realized it. She now understood why, thanks to Dominik, but it did nothing to relieve the emotions that swirled inside her at this moment. Had Wil not questioned it, she would have gone through life never realizing the truth of her actions. That did not sit well with her right now. Not one little bit.

Wil. What would she say to him? What COULD she say to him?

Azjah slouched into the left seat of the Dragon. Why hadn’t Lucien or Gabriel told her? She had relied on them for almost twenty years for many things, including companionship. Yet neither had ever even hinted at this, and in Azjah’s eyes, this was huge. What else remained obscured? She flinched at that notion.

It had been quite some time since Wil had excused himself from their morning talk; then another half an hour with Dominik, and at least another hour since Dominik had gone to speak to Wil. She watched the chronometer slowly mark off time as they approached Rigel. By tomorrow this time, they would have landed, but what had started out as a promise of a renewed life was quickly escaping her.

She had absolutely no idea what she would say to Wil, but she had to go find him. She dropped her flight booted feet to the floor and rose. Wil was not in the common space of the vessel as she exited the cockpit, which she had not expected him to be, so she headed for his berth, pausing to knock rather than simply opening the door.

No response; and no hint of movement inside.

Azjah then went to the small observatory, where they’d passed several gloriously pleasant hours only a day ago. He was not there. She checked the next room as well, with the same result. No Wil.

Having exhausted the obvious places to look, she headed for the cargo bay, though she couldn’t imagine why he would be in there. The door slid open and the dimly lit space suggested emptiness, but she stepped inside anyway, letting her eyes adjust to the low light conditions.

On the far side of the bay, a familiar form leaned against a crate. She crossed the distance still not knowing what to say nor how to begin. Without a word, she sat down beside him, but did not touch him. She was tentative of her reception as she pulled her knees up to her chest, and silently wrapped both arms around her legs before resting her cheek on her knees and simply watching Wil.

What to say eluded her, and so she simply sat beside him in the near darkness. Despite the emotional distance between them right now, she found comfort in having him near her.

[Wil Savage]

Colonel Savage watched the cargo room door close and cut him off from the remainder of the ship. Right now, that was exactly what he needed for he already felt “cut off” as if he were the “outsider” in the relationship with the woman he loved. It seemed that everyone else knew Azjah far better and infinitely more intimately than he did, but that was not the problem. The problem, as far as he saw it, was that it could very well continue to be that way.

He adjusted his position on the floor of the cargo hold with his back against a wooden crate. The lighting was that of the emergency lighting that was always on; dim but sufficient to light the way should someone (like himself) suddenly find themselves in the hold when the door closed. Otherwise the occupant would find themselves in a room that was totally absent of detectable photons. The floor was cool, and the only sound was the low hum of the environmental and power systems as the ship traveled silently through space at enormous speeds. In other words, Wil found the cargo hold perfect for thinking, and he was now glad that Dominik had suggested it.

Wil’s suspicions had turned out to be true – Azjah, although not remembering the sensations, found the feeding to be very pleasurable, and very likely quite erotic. He exhaled disgustedly between his teeth. Why did he always have to be so right? This was one time he’d have been extremely happy to be way off base.

So, she uses the Carpathian’s for protection, and in return provides them room and board - quite a convenient arrangement for them all. His thoughts raced in his head. Protection? What the hell? None of this made sense. He’d been to Rigel and even the Kaiser didn’t have Carpathians for protection, at least not to Wil’s knowledge. How many people actually require protection, let alone Carpathians? Why did Azjah feel the need for such round-the-clock protection?

Wil was beginning to get more questions and fewer answers. He knew what protection was about. As a Special Forces military-trained agent, he had often been called on to serve as some dignitary’s protection – something that he had been quite skilled at. It was hitting him hard. If he and Azjah were to get married, why the blazes would she need further protection. What has happened that she believes herself to be in such dire danger? There was the question – the real question. There was far more to this than he had yet revealed. He then wondered if Klinton knew all this.

Klinton!

Now there was another mystery.

What man in their right mind just up and leaves his brilliant and beautiful new bride to go searching for his mother? That story sounded suspect from the beginning. Was Klinton frightened off by the Carpathians? Did they threaten him? Or did he just get disgusted at having his wife receive erotic pleasure at the mouths of these guys? There was another good question. What was Klinton’s real motivation in leaving his wife after only six months?

Savage’s head hurt and his heart was breaking, and that makes a miserable combination in his book. He thought he had finally found the woman he could devote himself to, someone he could love and admire, someone who would be his partner throughout this crazy life; and someone he could really share everything with. He was so excited to take this trip with her, and now all he wanted to do was get the trip over with and get off.

He sat in that semi-darkness for another thirty minutes, replaying all the thoughts and conversations until there was nothing left to replay. The drama was over, the credits rolled, the curtains closed, and he was the last one sitting in the theater. And through it all there was but one fact that remained – he loved Azjah and didn’t want to be without her. He told her he’d fight for her, and he’d not go back on his word. He’d not lose her without a fight – a damned good fight.

He heard the click of the door being slid open and saw her silhouette against the light behind her. He didn’t move or say a word as she approached and sat down next to him. He could feel her looking at him, just looking at him. He was silent for about thirty seconds before he softly spoke the words, “I’ve often thought that the attributes of a dark and cold cargo hold are generally greatly underestimated in their ability to provide an arena for clear thinking.”