Space Orcs and the Diplomat

The Last of the Orcqlaneasions

Solar Black

Solar Blackboard Publishing

Copyright © 2024 Solar Blackboard Publishing

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13: 9781234567890
ISBN-10: 1477123456

Cover design by: SB-Art Design
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018675309
Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Chapter 1: Ambassador Vivien Johnson

Chapter 2:   Orenik Cyradis - Orcqlaneasion Directorate

Chapter 3:   Ambassador Vivien  Johnson

Chapter 4:   Maerik Valtorin - Orcqlaneasion Directorate

Chapter 5: Ambassador Vivien Johnson

Chapter 6: Auerik Zephiron- Orcqlaneasion Directorate

Chapter 7: Ambassador Vivien Johnson

Chapter 8: Orenik Cyradis - Orcqlaneasion Directorate

Chapter 9 - Ambassador Vivien Johnson

Chapter 10: Maerik Valtorin - Orcqlaneasion Directorate

Chapter 11:  Ambassador Vivien Johnson

Chapter 12: Auerik Zephiron- Orcqlaneasion Directorate

Chapter 13: Ambassador Vivien Johnson

Epilogue

About The Author

The Last of the Orcqlaneasions

Chapter 1: Ambassador Vivien Johnson

I remembered reading once that the average person spends anywhere from two to five years of their lifetime waiting. What an absolute waste. I had never been known to wait on anything or anyone. Patience was most assuredly the virtue that never caught up with me. The irony of this was not lost on me or anyone who knew me, given my chosen vocation.

I glanced at my watch, wondering what could possibly be taking so long.

“Ambassador Johnson, we are ready for you now, ma’am. If you’ll just follow me.” A young marine collected my travel bag, and I accompanied him from the reception area to the transport bay.

The gleaming shuttle bay looked more like a high-end car lot than a hangar for space vehicles. Despite the marines stationed throughout, this wasn’t a government facility and aesthetics were paramount in the corporate world, especially in the scientific arena.

I followed the handsome marine to the designated location and entered the personal shuttlecraft, designed for two to four people. Before I could continue my appraisal of the unit, I heard a familiar voice.

“Did you really think you could slip in and out without saying a word to me?” a cheerful voice greeted me. I was surprised to see the CEO of Lunar Dynamics waiting inside, although I shouldn’t have been.

“I didn’t want to bother you, Ms. Collins. I know how busy your schedule is.” I gave the CEO a quick eye roll before turning to the marine. “Thank you so much. You can leave that near the sleeping compartment on your way out.”

“Yes ma’am,” he said and left.

“Girl, come here,” I said, opening my arms to Lydia Collins, former protégé and one of the owners of Lunar Dynamics.

Easily towering over my 5'2" frame, the tall woman walked over. Her warm brown skin glowed, and her honey blond hair framed a face adorned with glasses and a light dusting of freckles at the bridge of her nose. Dressed in a polished, executive-style expensive suit, she wore her signature gold hoops, a remnant from her younger days, although not nearly as ostentatious. Her eyes met mine with genuine affection, and she gave me an affectionate bear hug.

“What’s all this 'Ms. Collins' nonsense?” she said.

“We can’t be too familiar in front of strangers. As it is, everyone thinks I helped you get the government contract for shuttles to the moon,” I explained.

Lydia laughed. “That’s because you did. It’s an open secret.”

She was right, and I started laughing too. I had met Lydia twenty years ago when I had gone to speak at her high school about careers in government. I was immediately struck by the brilliant young woman and took her under my wing to ensure she made the right choices. I knew all too well how smart girls in a bad environment could easily make the wrong ones.

Lydia had been a good investment. She got into MIT and earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Aerospace Engineering. Today she was the CEO of Lunar Dynamics, a company she had started with her husband, Benjamin Adler. They were the exclusive builders and suppliers of personal transport shuttles used by government officials and business interests to travel to the moon.

Sobering quickly, she asked, “What’s going on? Did something happen? You usually go through official channels to get a transport vehicle, but I knew something was up when you sent a direct message.”

“Yes, I hate getting you too involved, so probably the less I say, the better,” I cautioned.

Giving me the signature hand-on-hip pose that I hadn’t seen in several years, she said, “Are you for real right now? You know I’m from the DMV.”

“I know, it’s just that I’m worried about my niece, Nina. I’m not sure what’s going on. She’s with those damn Orcqlaneasions, and I need to know what’s happening.”

“What, do you mean Space Orcs?” she asked.

“Yes, but what I tell you has to be kept between us.” Lydia put her hand on her hip again, so I continued. “Okay, Miss D.C.” I raised my hands as if surrendering. Lydia relaxed and we both sat down in the shuttle so I could explain my covert mission to the moon.

“Nina was supposed to come home once they closed her medical base. First, she got diverted because she was infected with something and said she would get back to me. The next thing I knew, she was ‘mated’ to the four Space Orcs that headed up security on the base and headed to their planet.”

“What the absolute fuck?” she exclaimed.

“Lydia, you know you can no longer speak like that. I’ve told you this a million times, especially in your leadership position,” I said, pausing in my narrative to gently correct my former mentee.

“Yes, ma’am, but you do know ‘damn’ is a curse word too,” she chided me for my use of the invective earlier in our conversation.

“Point taken,” I said before continuing. “And if that wasn’t bad enough, she’s pregnant!”

“Oh my God, there’s no way. No, I mean literally no way. That is way beyond out of character for her plus, the whole fertility issue,” she said, surprising me.

“I knew you two had met before, but I didn’t know you and Nina were close friends,” I said.

“Well, we have  you in common for one thing, and we both commiserated over man problems, although Nina was smarter than I was and got out way before me.”

“I’m so sorry, Lydia, I so hoped things had improved between you and Ben,” I said.

“Yeah, me too. At this point, we’re together on paper only, for the sake of the company. We’ve been separated for a little more than six months and the logistics of dividing our combined interests is a nightmare,” she said mournfully.

“You should have told me. Here I’ve been hiding out from the world, and both my girls are in trouble.” I left my seat and gathered Lydia in my arms, offering love and support in a motherly hug. Other than Nina, she felt as close to me as a daughter. I think that’s probably what drew me to her in the first place.

“No way, plus I’m still really pissed about what they did to you,” Lydia said, regaining her composure quickly. “You had nothing to do with what happened on Nu-Terra, other than being one of many Earth ambassadors—I might add—in the Galactic Alliance. I don’t understand how they made you take all the blame when it clearly wasn’t your fault. Hell, who could have predicted an invasion by the Mesetholaie and a five-year intergalactic war?”

Sighing, I said, “Well, they didn’t hold me responsible for all that. But to keep the colonization program running, someone had to take responsibility for Nu-Terra. When no one else would, I felt like I didn’t have a choice. I also made sure new colonies would include people from urban communities, not just those with money and connections. If it meant giving others a shot at a better life and escaping poverty, crime, and pollution, then it was worth it. Colonizing a new planet and starting from scratch was a utopian dream, especially for those on the fringes of society who were just barely hanging on. Knowing my choice could make that possible made it easier. I’d make that bargain again without hesitation.”

Lydia nodded, her eyes softening. “I knew there had to be something more to it. I couldn’t believe you would go out without a fight. I don’t like it one bit. But it makes a lot more sense now.”

I had made peace with the choices in my life, even the one that ended my thirty-year career in the diplomatic corps. Since my forced retirement, I had publicly stepped away from everything to figure out the next stage of my life, but the reality was that I had been hiding from everyone—humiliated and embarrassed after a once stellar career had ended in disgrace. As a result, I wasn't there when the two young women who meant the world to me needed me. I could sense that Lydia was still struggling with her relationship with her husband and the complications with the business, and I wanted to support her. But right now, I had a more immediate concern with Nina. I needed to lay my eyes on her and make sure my Peanut was okay. She was my late brother’s only child, and I had promised I would always be there for her. I only hoped that while I had been wallowing in self-pity, she hadn’t put herself in a situation that neither of us could get her out of.

Getting back on track, I said, "Enough about that. Since you're here and you know absolutely everything about these machines, give me a quick refresher on operating it. Everything is run through the computer, correct?"

Immediately, Lydia's attention focused. "Okay, first, you need to understand the automated navigation sequence of the shuttle. When you input the coordinates, the system automatically creates a travel path. The shuttle will follow this path until it reaches its destination. In your case, you're going to the nearest Galactic Alliance outpost, which is a relay station on Earth's moon."

"I know where I’m going, Lydia, and I understand the gist of what you’ve explained,” I said in exasperation. “Once I’m at the relay station, I should be able to use the comms there to get in touch with Nina and the Orcqlaneasians. I’m hoping to get some answers; otherwise, I’ll have to take a more direct approach.”

Lydia raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean by a more direct approach?”

“I’d really prefer not to tell you in case something goes wrong,” I said.

“And I’d really prefer to know in case something goes wrong. You’d better tell me the whole plan, or I’m locking this transport down and you won’t go anywhere,” she said firmly.

Rather than argue, I gave a vague overview of my intentions. “Initially, my plan was to reach out to Nina and her mates to make sure she was okay. But, since I’ve left a series of messages through the usual channels and haven’t gotten a response, I’d like to travel directly from the relay station to the nearest Galactic Alliance Outpost in Quadrant 4. Usually, there’s a supply ship that replenishes supplies and brings new workers every eight months following the Galactic Alliance annual calendar. One should be arriving either today or tomorrow, and I was hoping to secure passage.”

“What happens when you get there?” Lydia asked.

“I have enough diplomatic status that I should be able to get some answers, even if I have to meet with those damn elitist Orcqlaneasians,” I replied.

Lydia’s eyes widened. “You’ve met actual Space Orcs? I thought they were like some alien superheroes protecting the galaxy.”

“Their role in the Alliance is as protectors, but I wouldn't go so far as to say they’re heroic, and they’re definitely not superheroes,” I said. “They are very domineering and unyielding, and they use their massive size to intimidate others. At least, that’s how I recall my interactions with them during the Distant Wars. Now that we’re in a state of peace, I can only hope they are more reasonable.”

“Okay, that sounds acceptable,” Lydia said. “But if anything goes wrong, I’m coming, and I’m bringing the cavalry with me.”

“While I appreciate that, Lydia, I’ve spent 30 years of my career doing this. I’m a professional diplomat, and even though I’m retired, I still know what I’m doing,” I said.

“I don’t doubt you for a moment, and if it wasn’t for the gray hair, no one would believe you’d be old enough to have had such a long career.”

“I was wondering how long it would take you to bring that up. You always find a way to get a dig about my hair in every conversation.”

“Yep, and I’m going to keep doing it. You have—or at least you had—beautiful hair, and then you let it get like that,” she said with a frown, pointing as though it truly disgusted her.

“My hair is gray, Lydia. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m 56, not 26, so I think it’s quite appropriate for a woman my age to not be ashamed of her natural gray hair.”

“No way, you were beautiful—I mean, you’re still beautiful, but it ages you. You still look like you’re in your thirties.”

I looked at her in disbelief. “Really?”

“Okay, you look like you’re in your forties, definitely, but not with that hair,” she said, pointing in disgust.

“Well, thank you so much, Lydia. I can always depend on you to give me that last boost of confidence, especially as I leave Earth’s surface and interact with beings from across the galaxies.”

Looking forlorn, she said, “I’m sorry. I miss the old you before all this happened, and the hair just reminds me that time is passing by. I don’t know, it makes me sad.”

I went and hugged her again. I hoped that my mission went well and that I would see her soon so we could deal with what was really going on with her.

“It’s okay, I know you’re only teasing. I don’t have your confidence to change my hair color every week. I’m eager to see what color it will be when I get back.”

“Very funny. I don’t change my hair color every week. As it is, I’ve made my stylist a small fortune. Hopefully, when you get back, you’ll go with me so we can get back 10 years of your life.”

“That’s not going to happen,” I said, laughing. “Okay, let me leave. The last time, it took eight hours to get to the moon.”

“Eight hours? That must have been Ben’s designs, not mine. My team has been working to cut the time from six to four.”

“Four hours? How on Earth did you do that?” I asked, before realizing that Lydia would actually tell me in great technical detail, so I immediately countered. “You’ll have to tell me when I get back.”

We briefly hugged again. Lydia then said, “You had better contact me every couple of days because if I don’t hear from you, I’m coming with a battalion of marines.”

“I promise, but you know how messages work in space to get to Earth. I probably won’t be gone for more than a week, two at the most. Meaning I’ll be back before you get my messages.”

Lydia walked toward the door of the shuttle, then came back and gave me one final hug. “Bye, Auntie. Be safe,” she said, using the term of endearment she used to call me when she was younger.

I replied, “Bye, sweet girl. I’ll be back in no time.”

Chapter 2:   Orenik Cyradis - Orcqlaneasion Directorate

“Brothers, we are being summoned to council by the Galactic Alliance,” I said to my bound brothers, Maerik Valtorin and Auerik Zephiron, through the comms unit at our dwelling. There was a good chance that neither brother was present, but out in the wilds near our home hunting the elusive bezirac that roamed the woods. In generations past, the species had been hunted for sport so much that it had nearly become extinct. Ironic now that the hunters faced the same extinction that we so easily wrought on other beings.

Hearing no response from either brother, I changed the frequency of the comms to reach each bound brother’s personal communication device. I repeated the same message, expecting the replies it would elicit. “Brothers, we are being summoned to council by the Galactic Alliance.”

“We have our own council here to deal with. I shall pass, brother,” Auerik said, unsurprisingly. He tended to dislike any outsiders, especially the aliens of the Galactic Alliance.

“When do we leave, brother? I am on a merry chase with a sly bezirac beastie, but I shall prevail,” Maerik responded eagerly. As expected, Maerik, who did all things with enthusiasm, was eager to interact with the council of aliens from the Galactic Alliance.

“We need to leave within the hour. Questions have arisen about the human mates to our Orcqlaneasion younger brethren,” I said, addressing both brothers.

“Who’d dare question our decisions in the Galactic Alliance? Orcqlaneasus is our planet, and we deem who is suitable or not to enter into our space,” Auerik said.

“Yes, brother, but our brethren have human mates carrying the next generation of Orcqlaneasion warriors. They deserve to make a home for them here on their planet,” Maerik said.

This altercation was a constant thorn in my side as I sought to mediate between my bound brothers.

“Brothers, this is not a conversation to be held over comms,” I said, ending the disagreement. We leave for the Galactic Outpost within the hour.”

_______________________________

◆◆◆

◆◆◆

Entering the chambers of the Galactic Alliance Conclave was always unsettling. In an effort to create an open and accessible assemblage, it provided very little security considering all the different species present. Delegates from different planets, star systems, and civilizations were seated in a semi-circular fashion, facing the central podium. In my mind, I constantly played out scenarios by which an enemy could weaken the Alliance with one well-placed attack.

I took a deep breath, striving to clear my mind. Before becoming Elder Orenik Cyradis, I had been an elite security lead Warrior of Orcqlaneasus, playing a pivotal role in fighting the hostile forces that sought to destroy the Alliance during its formative period. Although the Galactic Alliance had been in existence for nearly five hundred years, it had not become a cohesive unit working for the betterment of the galaxies until the last one hundred years, with significant change occurring in the last fifty. I had been a young warrior when assigned to provide security nearly fifty years ago, and even though no one had dared attack a conclave, the warrior’s training always came to the forefront.

No longer a warrior but an Elder of the Directorate, my brothers and I took our places of esteem in the front row of the hall. Upon our arrival, the hall immediately quieted and the meeting of the conclave began.

The leader of the conclave, a species of Avean known as Grand Consul Aeranth Quill, called the assembly to order and began to speak.

“Greetings all. Today this council has been called to address concerns of our fellow members with others in our membership. As we have all sworn to work together towards peace and find harmony when dissension occurs, a special meeting to arrive at a solution for all parties is hereby convened,” the birdman intoned.

Serving as sergeant at arms, a reptilian species known as the Iguosians stepped to the center podium. “Will the delegation from Earth attend to the lunar podium. Will the delegation from Orcqlaneasus attend to the solar podium.”

Reflecting my annoyance at being summoned so summarily and brought before the conclave, my brethren and I strode to the podium, towering over all other species in our midst.

Taking our place, I looked over to see which of the four sniveling human males had dared lodge a complaint against us. I had unfortunately worked with these frail, weak, pale beings in recent months and found them all lacking.

I was surprised when my gaze landed on the former Ambassador, Vivien Johnson. She had been a constant thorn in my side during the Distant Wars, yet she had always been a force to be reckoned with—strong and defiant, leading her team of diplomats with unwavering resolve. This was in stark contrast to the weak humans who had replaced her group.

She was a beauty by any standard, human or Orcqlaneasion, her only flaw being her diminutive size. Her skin was a rich, warm reddish-brown, reminiscent of the cinnamon spice she often used to flavor her alien teas. I imagined her taste to be as intoxicating as that spice and felt a rush of desire course through me. Although unjustly relieved of her position by the humans, perhaps it was for the best. As an Elder of the Directorate, my days of seeking a mate across the galaxy were over; my duty now was to govern and maintain peace.

Chapter 3:   Ambassador Vivien  Johnson

The journey to the Galactic Alliance Conclave had not been an easy one. I arrived on the moon just minutes before the Galactic Alliance supply ship was scheduled to depart for Outpost 4.

Using my long-expired diplomatic credentials, I managed to gain entry onto the ship, and docked my shuttle into the spaceship’s shuttle bay. My time as an Ambassador from Earth had taught me that most species in the Alliance never wanted to be the cause of an intergalactic incident, and denying admittance to a diplomat from Earth on board a Galactic Alliance ship would do just that.

Once on board, I was given a cabin befitting an ambassador. I felt a twinge of guilt since this was a personal mission, not an official one on behalf of Earth’s governing body. But given how they had treated me, I figured I deserved whatever pleasantries were offered.

The trip itself would take just under a week, barring any unforeseen anomalies. About halfway through the journey, there was a small incident. The ship’s captain intercepted a distress call from a small shuttle manned by two Pstoady scientists. The captain made a short detour to pick up the two stranded passengers before continuing toward Galactic Alliance Outpost 4.

I spent most of my time in my cabin since the crew members rarely interacted with Earth ambassadors. My presence, though respected, seemed to make them uncomfortable—probably due to the fear of causing an intergalactic incident. I only left my cabin to eat in the mess hall and occasionally stargaze on the small observation deck when it was empty. During one of those times, I met the interesting and somewhat odd Pstoady scientists.

“Greetings, Ambassador Vivien Johnson,” they said in unison. At first, I wondered how they knew my name, but then I figured that everyone on board would know about the diplomat from Earth being among the passengers.

“I am Torvak, and I am Tovak,” they introduced themselves. I smiled immediately because I knew exactly who these toad-looking scientists were. My niece Nina had been the director of Med-Base 4 during the Distant Wars and often shared funny anecdotes about these two, Torvak and Tovak. They looked exactly as she had described—both short, not quite five feet tall, although one was slightly taller. They were completely covered in long white lab coats, and their skin was a bumpy brown-gray color. Nina always referred to them as toadies, and looking at them, I could see why with their oval-shaped heads and spindly finger-like appendages for hands. Yes, they were definitely Nina’s toadies.

I clasped my hands and gave a slight bow to each in the traditional greeting of their culture. “Greetings, Torvak and Tovak,” I said, greeting one and then the other. I couldn’t exactly remember which one Nina had said was a little taller, but I thought it was Torvak. I must have guessed correctly because they seemed quite animated as they spoke.

“Yes, I am Torvak, and I am Tovak! Noble Ambassador Johnson, do you travel to Galactic Outpost 4 for a diplomatic mission?” they asked.

Momentarily taken aback, I considered their bluntness. Generally, people or aliens didn’t ask questions like that, but Nina had said they didn’t really have social skills or a filter. They were direct but often concluded that 1 plus 1 equaled 11 in their strange way of viewing the world. I decided to be forthright and see if they could provide any information about my niece.

“I am headed to Galactic Outpost 4 on a personal mission, not a diplomatic one, but I believe you might be able to help me.”

“Yes, we can help. We will help,” they said eagerly.

“I am trying to find out information about my niece, Dr. Nina Bridges. She was the director of Med-Base 4, and when the base closed, she didn’t come home. Apparently, she went to Orcqlaneasus with her security team. I’ve only received one message from her that was not very reassuring, and I want to know if she is alright,” I explained.

The Pstoadys looked at each other, then at me, then back at each other. Strange.

“Adored Dr. Nina Bridges is on Orcqlaneasus with her mates Kaelix Voss, Talix Krynn, Zephix Jorin, and Aerix Thorne. They await the birth of their offspring, which should be very near.”

“You two know quite a bit. Care to tell me how?” I asked, curious about how they knew so much about my niece’s situation.

“Yes, we will tell you. Yes, we will tell you while we dine. Is it not time? Yes, it is time,” they said. They marched forward toward the mess hall, and I followed with even more questions rattling in my head.

Entering the mess hall, the Pstoadys directed me to a small circular dining table. As I walked toward the replicator station, they blocked my path. “Noble Ambassador Vivien Johnson, we will serve you as the relation of our adored Dr. Nina Bridges. What do you require?” they said in chorus.

“Standard Earth salad,” I replied. I’d learned in the five years shuttling back and forth from Earth on diplomatic missions that replicator food could be suspect, but you could never go wrong with a basic salad. “Oh, and cinnamon tea, hot or cold, it doesn’t matter.” I sat at the table and waited for the Pstoadys to bring over the meal.

The mess hall was deserted, as it tended to be. Other than the Pstoadys, the other crew and passengers seemed to make themselves scarce whenever I was around. I’ve never been sure why this was the case. Most species avoided humankind as much as humans avoided other species.

“Noble Ambassador Vivien Johnson, here is your required sustenance,” they said, returning with food and drink.

Out of courtesy, I asked if they would also be eating, and they informed me that they already had. I asked them to explain what they knew about my niece. For the next half hour, they extolled my niece, explaining how she taught them to conduct scientific research following the scientific method. They recounted how they had not understood at first and how Nina had gone to great lengths to teach them and always sought their input. Instead of being researchers designated to assist at the Med-Base, she had expanded their duties, giving them purpose and a mission to help others.

I listened as they spoke glowingly of my niece and thought about how proud my brother would have been had he lived long enough to see her accomplishments. As the Pstoadys continued to speak, I felt myself yawning.

“I’m so sorry,” I said. “I’m a little tired. I think I’ll go lie down and rest. Thank you both so much for the kind words about my niece.” I exited the table and started walking to my cabin. Immediately, I felt a cramp in my stomach. The Pstoadys jumped to my aid.

“Noble Ambassador, do you feel ill? Yes, are you ill? We can assist. Yes, we can,” they said.

I was about to shoo them off when I was hit with another sharp pain that caused me to double over, allowing them to assist me to my room.

The Pstoadys left me at my door, asking if I needed help to enter. I told them no, and they left. I immediately went to the bed and felt another round of cramps. It was odd. The cramps felt more like menstrual cramps than the kind you get from eating bad food.

I was curled up in the fetal position on the bed when the door chimed, alerting me to someone’s presence. I pressed the button near the bed to see who was at the door. The Pstoadys were on the screen.

“Noble Ambassador, we have hyposprays for pain. Yes, hypospray will help you,” they said.

I trudged out of bed to get the hypospray. I’d used them before, and they were great pain relievers—better than acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or even morphine, with none of the side effects and instant relief. Unfortunately, they weren’t available on Earth, and only those in the medical community had them readily accessible in space. But if the Pstoadys were offering some, I was definitely taking them.

I opened the door, and the Pstoadys gave me several hypospray containers. I thanked them, closed the door, and headed back to bed. I injected one of the sprays into my abdomen as required and immediately fell asleep.

In fact, that was how the rest of the journey went. I spent the remainder of the time in my cabin, mostly sleeping. The Pstoadys would come by with food and to check on me, but other than that, I was left in peace, suffering silently in my cabin. The only relief came from the Pstoadys’ hyposprays.

In the hours before we arrived at Galactic Outpost 4, the Pstoadys prepared to leave the ship on their shuttle. Apparently, their power cells had recharged enough for them to take it directly to a repair port at the Outpost. I roused myself from my pain-sleep stupor in search of the two kind creatures to thank them for their assistance before they left.

“Noble Ambassador Vivien Johnson, how may we assist?” they asked as I found them in the shuttle bay.

“You both have assisted me more than I could have ever expected. I honestly don’t know how I would have survived this trip without you two. Thank you for everything. I am deeply grateful,” I said sincerely.

“No thanks are necessary. It is our mission to assist, our purpose given to us by your niece, the adored Dr. Nina Bridges. When you see her, let her know we carry out the mission in her name,” they said.

“I only hope that I will be able to see her. I’ve dealt with the Elder Orcqlaneasion diplomats before and they can be... intractable. If they don’t give me any information about her—” I paused, overwhelmed by a swell of emotion and a flood of tears. Whatever was going on with me, I couldn’t take much more of it. I felt my hormones going haywire. I never just burst into tears like this. I was a professional, used to dealing in logic and facts, not feelings and moods.

The Pstoadys shuffled forward together. “Noble Ambassador, you must speak with the Elder Space Orcs alone. Yes, alone. On their ship. Yes, on their ship would be better. Away from the Galactic Outpost would be best. Yes, even better. Demand to go and see Dr. Nina Bridges. Yes, demand! Do you want her to be alone for the birth of her babies? Yes, alone,” they said.

As they spoke, I ceased my emotional tears and realized they were one hundred percent right. I would demand to see my niece. They couldn’t keep me from her. I just needed some leverage. Maybe the Pstoadys knew more than they were letting on.

“You’re both right. They can’t keep me from her, especially now that she needs me. Is there anything that you can tell me that might help me to get them to do what I want?”

“Noble Ambassador, we tell you this in confidence as it may affect the outcome of our results, but there is no choice. There seems to be no other way. There are others,” they said.

“Others? What do you mean, Torvak, Tovak, explain?” I said, curious as to what this was all about.

“There are three human females with Orcqlaneasion mates: Dr. Nina Bridges, Thalia Montgomery, and Yvonne Adams. There will possibly be another soon. You must hurry, Ambassador Vivien. We must go. Yes, we must,” they said and walked away.

I stood there, dumbfounded. What was going on? Were the Orcqlaneasions abducting human women and impregnating them to stave off their imminent extinction? With roughly only a thousand members left in their society, would they really stoop so low? Probably. Armed with this new information, I was determined to find my niece and the other women. My resolve was back and I’d packed away my tears.

"I'm coming, Peanut. I will save you."

Chapter 4:   Maerik Valtorin - Orcqlaneasion Directorate

The assemblage of the Galactic Alliance Conclave was my least favorite place to be. But since I had aged out of Warrior class into Elder class, there was no avoiding it. As a member of the Directorate, even in my junior position, I was obligated to serve in diplomatic missions within the Galactic Alliance. My brethren and I had served as Ambassadors in Quadrant 4 for the last six years, and this was the first time we had ever faced a complaint lodged against us. It was all the more vexing that the complaint came from the feeble humans. The only star in my viewscreen  was that the former human Ambassador, Vivien Johnson, was present among the human delegation.

I spotted her immediately, despite her slight stature. Her chestnut brown skin stood in stark contrast to the other pale male members of her group. Her hair had more streaks of gray than during our previous meetings, yet her beauty remained unchanged.

Her breasts were too big for my claws to fully encompass and would overflow my grasp, a fantasy that often played in my mind as I imagined holding her curvy hips and plunging into her warmth. My body reacted to the thought, and I struggled to regain my composure. The low growls of my brothers reminded me of my duty, and I promised myself to be more focused. It was difficult, however, with her intoxicating cinnamon scent so close by.

Auerik let out a furious growl, shocking the assembly. “You dare to imply that we have done anything other than assist your people since your admittance into the Alliance. What proof have you of these allegations?”

“Your medical director’s refusal to make contact with your governing body is no concern of the Warriors of Orcqlaneasus. What benefit would there be in holding one human female against her will?” Orenik said forcefully.

The feeble human male leader stuttered in answering when the beauty stepped in his place at the podium.

“I request a private meeting off-site to discuss these matters with the esteemed Elders of the Directorate,” she said forcefully.

Yes, I thought, a private meeting to gaze into her brown eyes, smell her sweet scent—that would be enough to warm me in the upcoming months of cold days and colder nights.

“Your request is denied,” I heard my bound brother Auerik say. What madness was this? Did he truly hate all species so much that he would deny us the opportunity of spending time with a beautiful female? As elders, our futile search for a mate was over, as only warriors could seek mates to replenish our dying numbers, but we were still males, not so far removed from being warriors.

“I request a response from all your delegation,” she said, most likely recalling how contrary my bound brother always seemed to be in any negotiation. She was smart and bold. But this was the wrong approach.

“We speak as one voice, Ambassador. Your request has been denied by one and all,” I said firmly, although it bristled to say such.

The General Consul stepped to the central podium. “Is there evidence to corroborate that the Warriors of Orcqlaneasus have been in any way involved with the missing human medical director?”

“She is not missing; she is with the Orcqlaneasion security team from Med-Base 4. They know it. Her last communication to me confirmed it.”

“Do you have a copy of this communication?” the Avean asked.

“No, but I can requisition one and have it here immediately,” she said.

“This is unacceptable. We are a species of honor. We have had nothing to do with the lack of communication from one human to another. There is nothing to gain in doing so. Why does this one human matter so much that you would make an enemy of the Warriors of Orcqlaneasus?” Auerik said, causing many to bluster throughout the chamber.

The feeble human male diplomat pushed my beauty aside and stepped in front of her to speak. I heard a deep growl and realized that it was coming from me.

“On behalf of the people of Earth, we have no desire nor is it our intent to create strife and dissension between humans and Orcqlaneasions. We withdraw our query, proffer our apologies, and ask that the matter be closed,” he said.

“As the petitioner has withdrawn the complaint, this session is now closed. Go in peace,” the General Consul declared.

As the chamber cleared, I saw the human delegation embroiled in an argument. Beauty was speaking animatedly, moving her head from side to side. Her dark curls, streaked with gray, sprang with her agitation. The feeble human male grabbed her elbow forcefully as if to usher her out, and before I knew it, I was in the human space, towering above them.

I felt my brothers fall in on either side of me, and the human males shrank from the seven-foot wall of Orcqlaneasion former warriors presented to them. They scurried out of the chamber like vermin, leaving only Beauty behind. The Ambassador slowly walked from the podium to a nearby seat in the now empty chamber.

I bent down on one knee, my long white and gold robes sweeping the assembly floor. Then I did the one thing I had longed to do for more than six years. I touched her. I gently clasped her chin in my claw.

“Are you ill, Ambassador? I will carry you to the sick bay, if you will allow it,” I said, my voice thick with emotion.

She pulled her head from my grasp so quickly that my claw scratched her face, and I saw a hint of blood on my claw. Every instinct compelled me to lean in and lick the dab of blood from her face, but I restrained myself, barely.

“Don’t try to be nice now. It’s too late, after you made me look like a fool in front of the assembly,” she said through gritted teeth.

Orenik spoke softly, “It was not our intention to make you appear foolish among the assembly. However, one of us speaks for all of us. You have witnessed and participated in negotiations before, and you were always composed. Why is this instance different?”

“Yes, why are you desperate to reach this human? Is she one of your operatives?” Auerik queried, his constant paranoia surfacing. He believed that the influx of human mates was an effort by humans to infiltrate our planet, and he and his contingent had been the most strident voices refusing to let the females onto the planet with their Orcqlaneasion mates.

“What? She’s my niece. My twin brother’s daughter, born after he was killed in a random act of violence. I promised him that I would always take care of her, and I failed them both,” she said.

I turned to my brethren, “Brothers, perhaps we can confer.” Orenik nodded, and I stood and walked a few paces away with my bound brothers.

“We will contact the human, Nina Bridges, and her mates so that she can be assured we have done her niece no harm,” I said.

“Auerik, what say you?” Orenik asked.

“I’ve already said no, but clearly my word can be contravened by a few human pleas,” he said.

I sighed, wondering how we had ever allowed this difficult being to become one of our bound. I knew the answer, of course, but the question still deserved asking.

In such a stalemate, Orenik would cast the final vote. He said, “The Ambassador appears to be ill. We will take her to the medical bay, and if she is fit and able to come to our ship, we will contact her relative and her mates so that she may speak with them all and ascertain for herself that we pose no threats to the human females.”

Having come to a satisfactory conclusion, I eagerly advanced toward the Ambassador, but she was no longer in the chamber, having left while my brethren and I conversed.

“She has gone,” I said, turning to my brothers, surprised that she had left the room without our notice.

“She left as we began our conference,” Auerik said. “It is for the best. Human females are trouble, this one more than most. I can sense your emotions through our bond,” he continued, looking directly at me before also turning to Orenik. “Your attraction to her is repellant to me and causes extreme distress. I would suggest you remember that we are no longer wild young Warriors but Elders of the Directorate, soon to move to another tier of leadership. This longing for this tiny, brash female has no place in our bond or in our future,” he said, scolding both of us.

My anger bubbled to the surface again at my bound brother. This time, however, I would not hold back. I growled at him and flashed my fangs in a show of agitation.

Orenik intervened. “Our bound brother is wise and speaks the truth. We have both enjoyed fleeting thoughts of the female over the years, a reminder that we were once elite Warrior class, but we have met our destiny, and we are set on a path to lead the Directorate in three or perhaps two tiers. We must also guide our Elder brethren in coming to a decision about the human mates. Let us return home; we will discuss the matter further once we are underway.”

I paused as I left the chamber, looking back at the podium where she had stood defiantly. I would remember her as she was today, and that would be enough for the cold nights to come. It would have to be.

Chapter 5: Ambassador Vivien Johnson

Somehow, I was able to get back to my shuttle, although the pain I felt now was at least 10 times worse than it had been.  Perhaps, I should have gone to the medical bay to request assistance.  But there was no cure for menopause, so I grabbed a hypospray and injected it as I set a new course.

Engaging the onboard computer, I followed the instructions from previous shuttle flight trainings along with the information Lydia had given me a few days ago.

“Computer, can you retrieve coordinates to Orcqlaneasus from the Galactic Alliance database.”

“This information requires Galactic Alliance Diplomatic clearance.”

It was a long shot but perhaps my old credentials hadn’t been removed from the database.  I entered my previous codes into the console.

“Computer, my diplomatic code,” I said.

“Access denied, this code is no longer functional,” the computer replied.

There was a universal code that all new Earth diplomats used when there was a transition.  I had reset the code when I exited as lead diplomat for the current team. As ineffectual as they were, had they even bothered to create personal access codes.  I wondered if the transitional code might still work.

“Computer, try Echo Alpha Rho Theta 0-6-0-8.”

“Access granted, the coordinates to Orcqlaneasus are being downloaded to the navigation system.”

“Computer how long will it take to get to Orcqlaneasus?”

“Traveling at standard galactic speed, the shuttle will arrive in Orcqlaneasus in two weeks.”

“Computer, is it possible for the shuttle to go faster than standard galactic speed?”

“Yes, it is possible using the Collins-turbo upgrade, you can expect to arrive in five days.”

“Really, Lydia, Collins turbo. Computer use the upgrade and let’s go to Orcqlaneasus.”

I couldn’t help but smile. They would not get rid of me that easily.  The dull ache was intruding on my short-lived victory. I was running out of hyposprays and the pain was excruciating.  I went to lie down in the sleeping compartment and hoped Lydia’s shuttle would take me where I needed to go.

Chapter 6: Auerik Zephiron- Orcqlaneasion Directorate

I was at odds with my brethren, which had become a common occurrence. They did not understand. At their core, they were simple warriors. They had battled, they had killed, they had scars. But, they had not experienced true darkness, not the evil other species could inflict for no other reason than because they could. I had witnessed it up close. I had lost my original bound brothers, all three of them, to heinous creatures—not stronger, not smarter, but more wicked than my new brethren could ever imagine.

I was unbound. When my original brethren had been murdered, I became unmoored, and for a long while, my mind was a clutter of thoughts, paranoia, and pain. Had Orenik and Maerik not accepted me as a bound brother, I would have remained insane and eventually been euthanized for the good of the brotherhood.

They too had lost a bound brother as young men during their first battle. But they still had each other as anchors. Amazingly, it was Maerik who recognized me as a possible bound, my darkness to his light. I would forever be grateful for his soul finding mine and allowing the three of us to be reforged as bound brothers. It was for this reason that I would allow no outsiders to disrupt the harmony of our brotherhood, and the human females were all interlopers.

From my position on the bridge, I ran a standard security scan when I detected an anomaly. Coordinates to Orcqlaneasus, our homeworld, had been downloaded by a Galactic Alliance representative. The request had come from a code assigned to the Earth diplomats. I knew immediately which human would be so brash as to attempt to enter our space without permission. Finally, I had proof that my bound brothers could not deny.

“Brothers,” I said, rousing them from their stations on the bridge, “the human Ambassador, Vivien Johnson, has covertly downloaded coordinates to our homeworld and is headed there now. I suggest we intercept her path and seize her and her craft for violation of Galactic Alliance Treaty guidelines,” I said somewhat gleefully. At last, I would be able to prove to my brothers that I had their best interests at heart.

“Are you sure, brother?” Orenik asked. “Make the necessary adjustments and set an intercept course.”

“She must be truly desperate to see her relative to have done this. She was sanctioned before for actions she did not commit. For this, however, she will be imprisoned,” Maerik said dejectedly.

My brother truly vexed me. He was an elder like all of us. His long hair was white, no longer raven. Lines of wisdom and experience crisscrossed his face, and yet he still thought with his cock like a young warrior.

We intercepted the small shuttle in less than an hour. I opened the comms and made contact, but there was no response.

“Brothers, you see she deliberately ignores us. Perhaps we should fire a warning shot to get her attention,” I said.

“No, we need not act in the extreme. She is an unarmed human female. We need not waste our superior weaponry in a show of force that could go awry. Instead, we will engage tractors and bring the shuttle on board. She will have no choice but to comply,” Orenik said.

His counsel was wise, and his words held merit. I immediately began locking onto the craft to capture the deceptive female.

Maerik rushed from the bridge, no doubt to rescue the human female from my condemnation.

Orenik and I soon followed after securing the ship in automation.

Maerik approached the shuttle, looking for the code to gain entrance. I pulled from my robes the weapon I always carried nearby and blasted the console, causing the door to open. He glared at me before entering first.

The shuttle was small for us, with each of us towering well over seven feet. We quickly surveyed the area but did not find the human on the bridge. Given the shuttle's size, there could only be one or two places she could hide.

We moved carefully, mindful of our size in the confined space. Maerik led the way down the narrow corridor. We reached the first compartment, a small storage area, and Maerik yanked open the door, revealing only supplies and equipment.

“She’s not here,” he muttered.

“Check the other compartment,” I said, pointing to the door at the end of the corridor.

Maerik nodded and moved toward it, opening the door to what appeared to be sleeping quarters. I had expected to find her defiant or begging for mercy, but I never expected to find her in the state she was in.

She lay on the small bed, completely bare. Her reddish brown skin glistened and every inch was exposed. I couldn't help but admire her full breasts, wide hips, and thick thighs. Her pussy was wet and dark curls were matted against her body. As she moved, I caught a glimpse of the moisture dripping from her sex. The scent of cinnamon and musk filled the air as she seemed to be in a daze, possibly from a fever or delirium.

Despite my dislike for this human female, I couldn't deny the arousal that stirred within me at the thought of thrusting into her and releasing my seed. Was this what my brothers had been experiencing these past few years? I may not like her or her kind, but there was no denying that she was desirable.

Maerik took off his Elder robes, revealing his muscular chest and warrior leggings. He then wrapped the small human in his robes and lifted her into his arms. She cuddled against him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her body close to his. Without hesitation, he carried her from her shuttle to the largest cabin on our ship. Orenik and I trailed behind following his lead.

Maerik deposited her on the bed, and she pushed off the robes weakly.

“Her body is like a small furnace; we must seek assistance for her,” Maerik said with concern.

“Her incapacity does not excuse her for the crimes she committed. She must be held accountable,” I said forcefully.

“Brothers, let us leave her to rest and discuss this matter further,” Orenik interjected.

Back on the bridge, Maerik strode to the comms console. “We must take her back to the medical bay on the Galactic Outpost,” he said.

“Absolutely not,” I countered. “This could be an elaborate ruse to avoid punishment.”

We turned to Orenik, seeking his wise counsel once again.

“Contact her relative; she is a medical professional and could lend assistance,” Orenik said.

Maerik quickly made the adjustments on the comms console and contacted the Orcqlaneasions: Kaelix Voss, Talix Krynn, Zephix Jorin, Aerix Thorne, and their mate, Dr. Nina Bridges.

The image of Kaelix Voss filled the view screen. Seeing our images, he said, “Greetings, Elders of the Directorate. Do you bring news about the status of our mate, the human female, Dr. Nina Bridges?” he inquired anxiously.

Maerik responded, “We have no news regarding your mate’s status, but we have a query on an associated matter. We have intercepted a human female, former Earth Ambassador Vivien Johnson, on an unsanctioned course to Orcqlaneasus space. She has claimed to be a relative of your mate. Can your mate confirm this to be true?”

“I can corroborate that the Ambassador is the aunt of my mate, Nina,” he said.

“I would like your mate to verify this. Bring her forward,” I said. The human females were problematic. This was a simple matter, yet the Earth woman complicated it.

“Our mate is in the early stages of labor. We had hoped your call meant that she would be allowed admittance to our homeworld so that our sons could be born there,” Kaelix said dejectedly.

This truly complicated matters. While I did not want the humans living amongst us, their children would be Orcqlaneasions, even if hybrids. As such, they should be born on Orcqlaneasus.

My brethren and I would have to contact the Directorate for an emergency session to ratify this exception to our laws, which forbid, under the penalty of death, admitting outsiders to our planet. For generations, Orcqlaneasion males had searched the galaxies for suitable mates capable of procreation. Having never acquired any mates, our laws had never been adjusted. There were, however, a series of legislative proposals or mate laws pending, which needed to be ratified. Until now, Elders such as myself and others had stood in opposition to these laws, but this situation would press the issue to the forefront.

Orenik stepped into view with Maerik and me. “This is good news, brother. We will call an emergency session to bring this matter to a head. I know the importance of this, and we will allow your sons to be born on their homeworld,” he said with finality.

“The human female in our custody is ill, but if your mate is in labor, we must choose another course in handling this separate matter. Brother Kaelix, although it has been decades since the last Orcqlaneasion birth, this one seems exceptionally early. The period for Orcqlaneasion gestation is 60 weeks. According to the records submitted for admittance, your mate should only be at 50 weeks of pregnancy. Can you explain the discrepancy?” I asked.

I could hear my bound brother Maerik growling as he stood behind me, something Kaelix could hear as well. Maerik had been a staunch advocate for the human mates to be given full citizenship and full access to the homeworld, once again putting us in opposition to each other.

Kaelix turned from the screen, and another Orcqlaneasion came into view, Talix Krynn. “Our mate would like to address the Elders. She is in our medical bay with our brothers Zephix Jorin and Aerix Thorne,” he said, exasperated.

“If she is able, it is acceptable that she address us,” Orenik said.

The screen flickered, and moments later, Dr. Nina Bridges appeared, lying on a medical bed. Despite the evident pain, her eyes were sharp and focused.

“Elders, I confirm that Vivien Johnson is my aunt. She was likely desperate to find me because we have not communicated for several months, and she was worried about my well-being, especially given my pregnancy,” Nina said, her voice strained but clear as she continued.

“I heard your comments with my mate Kaelix Voss. The human gestation period is 40 weeks and the Orcqlaneasion gestation period is 60 weeks. Since this is a hybrid pregnancy, the expectation has always been that the pregnancy would last at least 40 weeks but may or may not reach 60 weeks. I’m currently at week 52, which is a year following the human calendar, and am quite ready to be done,” she paused in her speaking and grabbed the claw of her mate, Zephix Jorin, as birthing pains overtook her body. As the pains eased, tears streamed down her face and she screamed, “I want my Aunt Vivi!” Her body then relaxed as though she was unconscious.

We watched as the males checked her vitals with the medical scanner before acknowledging our presence. This time, the speaker was Aerix Thorne.

“She is progressing; the labor is difficult, and she has periods of pain followed by brief periods of rest. She has been in labor for 12 hours, with several hours more expected. Regarding the illness of her relative, could you describe the symptoms? I fear we may know the cause,” he said.

Maerik spoke, of course, “Her body is hot, it burns like a furnace, and she is insensate as in a delirium. I ran the med scanner when she arrived on our ship and could find no virus, bacteria, or pathogen as the source.”

“Is it possible that she could have come in contact with any Pstoady, two in this instance?” he asked.

“I will check her travel itinerary and cross-check it against other passengers,” I said. I pulled the records up on the screen so that the brethren assembled could see the information. “The records indicate that she shuttled to Earth’s moon and traveled from there on a Galactic Alliance supply ship to Galactic Outpost 4. There were no passengers, only crew members transferring from Earth’s moon back to the Outpost on the ship manifest. Here, there is an entry of a distress call. It seems the captain picked up two Pstoady passengers and their shuttle and took them to Galactic Outpost 4. Curiously, it appears from the records that they left prior to the ship’s docking at the Outpost.”

“What is the significance of the Pstoady scientists?” I asked.

“In a misguided attempt to help our mate, the Pstoadys have created an enhanced pheromone drug that makes the human female body go into a state of estrus or heat. The symptoms, according to my mate, are extremely high temperature, abdominal pain, and intense feelings of desire or lust that can only be sated through sexual copulation. Copulation typically results in a viable pregnancy, causing the ‘heat’ or estrus cycle to end and the gestation period to begin. If the female is not sated and copulation does not occur, the female’s body temperature will rise to dangerous levels, causing her to overheat. She will be in tremendous pain from uterine cramping that steadily intensifies and increases. My mate determined after running several simulations that if the female’s body is not sated and copulation does not occur, the female will eventually die,” Aerix explained in detail.

I was furious. “Why hasn't the Directorate been advised of this situation? Have all the human females been infected with these enhanced pheromones? This situation will require a formal inquiry to determine your roles, and the role of your mate, in light of these new developments.”

Zephix Jorin then appeared on the screen, his teeth bared in a deliberate show of hostility and defiance.

“Our mate was an innocent victim of the Pstoady scientists, as are the other females they have infected. We had no part in their deception or the pain they caused our mate and continue to cause. Right now, our mate struggles to bring forth new life, the next generation of Orcqlaneasion Warriors, but you debate and discuss while she is denied access to the healing waters of our homeworld used for birthing for generations. Even now, on your ship, you transport a human female of great value and worth to my mate and her people. Aerix has explained and told you what must be done if she is to survive. If your Elder cocks are too shriveled to be used, I suggest setting a course to the nearest Orcqlaneasion warriors deserving of such a mate,” the angry Orcqlaneasion boomed before ending the communication.

“Brothers, these matters are serious. The human females have compromised our younger brothers’ ability to remain rational. Never have I heard such words of disrespect spoken by the Warrior class. We must call for a special session of the Directorate regarding these matters. Pstoady aliens and human females could be the beginning of what I fear the most from these outsiders: the demise of our civilization,” I said passionately, trying to get my brothers to recognize the truth of my words.

“You are a fool, Auerik. Your mind is too damaged from your time unbound to see the flaws of your logic. I never understood the practice of euthanizing our brethren too far gone from madness to be redeemed until this moment,” Maerik said, shocking me with his words.

“Brothers, cease this dissension. Urgent matters demand our attention. Auerik, call for an emergency assembly of the Directorate. The laws regarding mates must be settled and ratified immediately. Witnessing the human female in labor made me recall an ancient text that I studied while researching the crisis of our imminent extinction. All live births must pass through the healing waters of the birthing pools. I fear that both the human and her babies will die without it,” Orenik said gravely.

He continued with directives, “Maerik, you must go to the human and prepare her for mating. We will each speak the words, and she will become our mate. Whether our seed will quicken in her we do not know, but we have no time to debate; we must act and face the consequences or reap the benefits later,” he said.

“No, I will not mate a human. I am an Elder, no longer a Warrior, and I will not break my vows to the Directorate. Our customs forbid Elders of the Directorate from taking mates. I do not seek a mate,” I said emphatically.

Orenik countered, “None of us seek a mate, but fate has given us one. We are all re-bound, put together again through circumstances of destiny. This is no different, and we will not turn from it nor seek to avoid it. After we have mated the human, we will rendezvous with our younger brothers and their mate so that the human may have her relative with her as birth nears.”

Maerik eagerly left the bridge in his rush to mount the human female. Orenik walked back to his station and sat heavily, the orders he had issued weighing on his mind. I contacted the Directorate and issued a call for a general session to commence in three hours. Assuming no other Elders were on diplomatic missions, this should give us enough time to enact Orenik’s plan to meet with the younger brethren and deliver our human mate.

As much as I tried, my mind could not reconcile itself with taking a human mate. Our customs forbid Elders of the Directorate from taking mates. If not our laws directly, it was a practice deeply rooted in our traditions. I owed my brethren a debt of gratitude for saving me from the depths of madness and certain death. Was this what fate would require of me as restitution?

Chapter 7: Ambassador Vivien Johnson

I knew I was going to die. It was only a matter of time. I was too hot, trapped in a vortex of pain, unable to move anymore. My breathing was shallow, and I felt the last few breaths release from my quivering body. I’d gone from delirium to clarity to delirium again. If these were my final moments, I would rather have clarity again.

I was no longer on Lydia’s shuttle; the Elder Orcs had taken me. At least, I think that was reality and not a dream. Elder Maerik had carried me, holding me close to his green chest. His cool skin was soothing against my burning flesh, and for a moment, I felt peace, hopeful that this torment in my body would end. But as he pulled away from me, leaving me alone in this dark new place, the pains and heat came back tenfold. My death was imminent.

In my dream state, I saw him again, towering over me. His skin was a deep, rich hunter green, like the forests of the Amazon. His hands weren’t hands but claws with sharp, dangerous, curving nails almost like talons. But when he touched me, I felt safe and protected; he touched all of me, from my face, kissing the scratch he had made earlier, then caressing every part of my body. His touch felt like a cool waterfall, awakening me from my delirium. Was this still the dream, or was he here with me now? I couldn’t tell, and I was afraid to open my eyes for fear that I would go back into the painful stupor.

His claws traced a path down my brown skin, exploring every curve and crevice. I felt a mix of pleasure and embarrassment as he lifted my heavy breasts with his sharp claws, unable to fully contain their weight. Normally I would feel self-conscious about the state of my body, but I didn't care. It had been over ten years since anyone had seen me naked, and time had taken its toll on my appearance. He moved on to my other breast, pulling and tugging at my nipple with his tongue before sucking it into his mouth. The sensation of his fangs scraping against my skin sent shivers down my spine. As he continued to knead one breast while suckling on the other, I felt a wave of pleasure surge through me - the first orgasm I'd had in over a decade. And with that release came a newfound energy, as if I had been in a dream-like state before and now I was fully awake. He was here with me, and I knew it was real.

“Maerik,” I whispered, capturing his attention, and he released my breast.

He spoke, and his gravelly voice reverberated in my core. “My beauty, my Vivien. Let me give you pleasure.”

He was already bringing me pleasure, and instead of overthinking it as my mind wanted to do, I allowed myself to enjoy the moment. I spread my legs eagerly and felt a rush of moisture escape from my body. I felt a moment of awkwardness, but he wouldn't let me feel uneasy. He kissed down my body, gently caressing my stomach before moving lower. He parted my legs and pressed his nose against my pussy, taking in a deep breath. It seemed like such an alien gesture to me, but then he began to lick the lips of my pussy and I couldn't resist the intense sensation that coursed through me. My body released fluid and he eagerly drank it up, his tongue exploring every inch inside me as if quenching his thirst. This triggered a series of rapid, powerful orgasms unlike anything I had ever experienced before. When he finally lifted himself from my exhausted body, he declared, "She is ready."

At first, I was confused by his words, until I noticed that the other two Elder Space Orcs were also naked and aroused in the room with us. My mind protested; this was not something I had ever experienced before. I wanted to speak up, to comprehend what was happening. Yet, my body seemed to understand already. It yearned for these alien males, their bodies penetrating mine. For the first time, I let go of my thoughts and allowed my body to take over, fulfilling its desires without hesitation or control.

Orenik, ever the senior diplomat, kneeled down and held my face in his claw. My mind struggled with this new image of him. Up close, he was massive, a beautiful shade of jade gemstone with hints of blue-green undertones. His eyes, usually so calm and reserved, now held an intense, burning desire as he gazed at me.

“Vivien,” he said, and an innocuous thought ran across my mind about the familiar way he was referring to me. Before, I had only been Ambassador, Ambassador Vivien Johnson, or Ambassador Johnson. I had never been just Vivien. But considering that we were both naked about to engage in carnal relations, just Vivien was appropriate. My mind, always analyzing everything, briefly wandered before I relaxed into his hold and let my body take over. I licked his claw and was rewarded with his deep growl.

“Vivien, you were infected with pheromones by the Pstoady scientists you met while traveling to Galactic Outpost-4. You are experiencing human estrus, or heat, your body preparing you to mate with us, for procreation,” he explained, his voice low and resonant.

I sat up immediately, my mind struggling to take over. “No, I can’t, I can’t be. I’m past menopause.” Seeing their confusion, I explained, “I’m past the period of fertility in human women. My body no longer produces the hormones needed for pregnancy. This has to be a mistake. I’m too old for this to happen.”

“As are we, but here we all are, past our prime but brought together by fate in this moment. Will you consent to be our mate?” Elder Auerik surprised me, and perhaps his brethren, with his remarks, coming unexpectedly from him. He would have been the last one I would have expected to speak as he did.

My mind was back in charge, and as incredible a tale as they had woven, I realized that it was probably true when I thought back on my conversations with the Pstoadys. I couldn’t do it; I couldn’t be their mate. How would this ever work? Could I truly bond with these beings? How would it affect my life, my identity, everything I knew? The doubts and uncertainties swirled in my mind, each one more overwhelming than the last.

Maerik spoke, his lips still covered in the sheen of my heat. “We will pleasure you, we will care for you, we will support you. Mating is not just about accepting our seed and carrying our young. It is a life force connection, bonding the four of us and connecting our souls together as one.”

He smiled and licked my essence from his lips with his tongue. Damn! My body was back in charge.

“Yes, I will take your seed and be your mate.” I heard someone say, and it sounded like me, but it took my mind a few seconds to catch up to the decision my body had made.

Orenik's lips pressed against mine with a fierce urgency, stealing my breath away. My legs willingly parted once again as Maerik's tongue resumed its sensual exploration of my body, sending waves of pleasure through me. When Orenik finally released me, his hands roamed over my body, caressing and pressing against my large breasts with a possessive hunger.

Auerik approached me, stroking his massive sage green cock, mottled and a shade darker than the rest of his skin. His eyes held an unmistakable message: "suck my cock". With a rough grasp on my hair, he pushed his spear-shaped cockhead towards my mouth. I opened slowly, accepting him into my mouth as he pushed forward, filling my throat completely. I struggled to breathe as Auerik showed no mercy, fucking my throat with ruthless force. It was a clear display of dominance and my own weakness in comparison. I forced myself to relax my jaw and accept him fully, fighting back the instinct to gag.

Just as it became too much to bear, Maerik sensed my discomfort and brought me to new heights with his skilled attention on my clit and G-spot. Meanwhile, Orenik lavished affection on my breasts, using his fangs to graze and scratch at them. The combination of sensations was almost overwhelming.

Finally, Auerik's thrusts became erratic and he came deep in my throat. I had no choice but to swallow his minty, nutty essence as he pulled out and slapped me lightly with his still-hard cock, leaving trails of semen on my face. As I looked up at him through glazed eyes, I knew for certain that he still didn't like me and would never accept me as his mate.

Orenik's hands released their hold on my breasts, leaving them tingling and yearning for more. Maerik's body shifted over mine, his muscles tense with anticipation. His cock, hot and eager, pressed against my entrance, sending shivers of desire through me.

“Vivien Johnson, will you take my seed, be my mate and share my lifeforce,” he asked.

“Yes,” I said, and my life irrevocably changed.

His body slammed into mine, driving his thick shaft in and out with an unmatched force. Every thrust felt like it was reaching deeper into my core, and I moaned with pleasure as he filled me up completely. My fingers dug into his back, trying to hold on as he pounded into me relentlessly. The intense sensation of him inside me sent waves of pleasure through my entire body. When he finally reached his climax, he roared my name and released himself inside me. I wanted to stay wrapped in his arms, but he pulled away too soon, leaving me feeling empty and craving for more. As I lay on the bed, catching my breath, another one of my Elder lovers stepped forward to take his place.

It was Elder Orenik, as I continued to think of him. While Maerik had always been charming and flirtatious with me, Orenik remained serious and reserved. He exuded an air of discipline and duty, never showing a hint of emotion or a smile. And yet, here he was now, his muscular jade body hovering over mine, his white hair brushing against my nipples as I eagerly awaited him. I wrapped my leg around his waist as he entered me gently.

My body should have been prepared from the combined releases of Maerik and myself, but it was not. I felt stretched before, but it was nothing in comparison to this. The sensation of him inside me was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. His cock was thicker, longer, and harder than any other I had encountered. I held my breath, afraid to move or make a sound. When he finally reached the deepest parts of me, I could feel his imprint on my belly. It was both frightening and incredibly arousing. This was an alien creature with incredible power and strength. And he was deep inside me.

Though his initial movements were gentle, each thrust reformed and reshaped my body to fit him perfectly. He gradually increased in intensity, building a slow burn of pleasure within me. My body shook as I climaxed over and over again from the sheer size and force of him. He fucked me with patience, ever the Elder statesman- savoring every moment of my human form wrapped around his massive alien cock. But this changed as he neared his release. He picked up the pace and began pistoning into me with a machine-like rhythm. My screams echoed throughout the room as he gave a fierce growl and filled me with his hot, alien seed.

I knew there was no chance of pregnancy with these aliens, but if there was even a small possibility, I would definitely be carrying their children by now. Their alien cum had overflowed my human body, leaving me feeling full and satisfied in a way I never thought possible. As he withdrew from me, I clung onto him desperately, not wanting this physical joining to end so soon. But there was still one Elder left.

Orenik gathered me in his arms and said, “We are en route to our brethren and your niece. Maerik and I will go and make the final ship preparations. I am overjoyed to have you as our mate, as is Maerik, as is Auerik.”

“You’re leaving me with him, alone?” I asked, my voice trembling with fear. I knew they could hear the anxiety in my voice. I couldn’t control it. Elder Auerik didn’t like me; more than that, he might even hate me, but why, I didn’t know.

Pulling on his Elder robes, Maerik came to me and settled on the bed. “He is your mate; he will care for you. We trust him in this.” He kissed my forehead, his touch meant to be reassuring, but it did little to calm my nerves. As Orenik and Maerik left, the room seemed to grow colder and more intimidating.

I was alone with Elder Auerik, my heart racing and fear consuming me. As he advanced towards the bed, I recoiled into a corner, trying to hide. But he reached for my legs and dragged me back to the center, forcing me onto my stomach with his mottled green knee pressing into my back.

“You fear me, and that is good. You should always fear me. I do not want you; I do not want this. You are a debt I must repay. Taking you as a mate destroys the future we were destined to have as leaders of our planet. Instead of rising to the pinnacle of leadership, we will be mocked and reviled. This is not a future worthy of the noble Orenik, who would have been the greatest leader of our people in a millennium, nor of Maerik, who still has a warrior’s heart and sees only the good in all things. I have no choice in this—I am bound by my brothers—but you do. Do not accept. I will say the required words for mating, but your answer could change our fates. Do not accept,” he growled, his eyes dark and menacing, the threat in his voice unmistakable.

I realized his true intent, the extent of his enmity. This was a dangerous alien being, and I was in a precarious position. To accept his offer meant I must decline being a mate to Maerik and Orenik as well. I knew nothing about these aliens other than my interactions with them over the past few years. Yet, I felt drawn to them. Yes, they were arrogant and patriarchal, which was to be expected from a warrior breed of aliens in an all-male society. But they had always treated me with the respect accorded to my position, if at times a bit high handed. They had never been unkind, and in truth, Auerik was the only one who ever exuded any hostility.

Could I give up my life on Earth and remain with these elusive alien elders? What would that future look like? Auerik had indicated that it would be bleak. That in accepting me as a mate, they would essentially be outcasts, their once bright future dimmed. But could he be trusted? For whatever reason, he hated me, or perhaps all aliens, which I would be from his perspective.

More importantly, what would my future look like if I declined their offer as mate? I would probably see Peanut at least once, but would I see her and her babies ever again? I would go back to my home, still reviled and held responsible for the loss of human life on Nu-Terra. I had fallen so far so fast; I knew what that felt like, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone, even Auerik.

My mind whirled with the weight of the decision. Should I stay and risk everything, or should I return to a life I knew, albeit a painful one? The uncertainty gnawed at me. What if Auerik's warnings were true? What if they weren't? Could I live with the consequences either way? I hesitated, torn between the fear of an unknown future and the fear of returning to a painful past.

I finally let my mind control my decision-making as I had done for 56 years. I would not become their mate. Or would I? Doubt clouded my thoughts once more, leaving me paralyzed with indecision.

Auerik released the weight of his knee on my back and pulled me up onto my hands and knees. He pressed against me from behind, his body weighing heavily on mine. I could feel the tip of his erection pressed against my entrance as he whispered his words.

“Ambassador Vivien Johnson, will you take my seed and be my mate?”

“Yes, I will,” I said. As the words left my mouth, a chill of fear crept over me. What have I done? I thought, panic starting to rise. But it was too late.

“So be it,” Auerik growled, his voice dripping with malice as he roughly plunged his monstrous alien cock into my heated body. His claws dug into my hips like sharp talons, as he violently fucked me for my defiance in accepting him and his brethren as mates.  Agony ripped through me from within and without, a searing pain that I could not escape.

He released my hip only to wrap his claw around my hair, pulling me closer to him so he could whisper cruelly in my ear. “This is what you accepted; this is what you shall have. I will give you no pleasure, you will find no release.”

With each brutal thrust of his cock, waves of pain and pleasure surged through me. But whenever I felt a shred of enjoyment from his relentless pounding, his claws would lash out across my stomach, breasts, or any exposed flesh they could find. He showed no mercy as he continued his brutal assault on my body far longer than either of his brothers had.

Despite myself, I couldn't help but reach climax under the force of his savage fucking. This only angered him further, causing him to increase his ferocity. With an animalistic growl, he unleashed an even more violent assault, driving himself deeper and harder into me. I could feel his climax approaching and then with a deep growl, he released a torrent of hot cum inside me, filling every inch of my body until it overflowed. With a final harsh thrust, he shoved me off his dripping cock. He picked up his clothing and left the room without another word or backward glance.

So much had happened, but I would not think about it now. My mind was once again clear, no longer caught in the throes of passion, desire, and pain. I rose from the bed and headed to the lavatory attached to the room. The lavatory was Galactic Standard, meeting the basic requirements of humans with a toilet, shower, sink, and automatic dispenser with soaps and shampoos. I twisted my curly hair into a knot on top of my head to keep most of it from getting wet and turned on the shower. It felt good to let the water wash away the remnants of my alien lovers from my sore and aching body.

I was afraid to look down and examine myself, fearing that Auerik had ripped my skin apart. Instead, I found welts where he had abraded my skin just short of drawing blood. The water and soap still stung, so I cleaned myself gingerly.

When I returned to the room, the bed had been remade with fresh linen, and my travel bag was on the floor next to it. Grateful for the small comfort, I changed into my clothing and combed through my hair, securing it into a ponytail. I knew I was delaying leaving the room, but I collected myself and stepped out, determined to seek out my new alien mates.

Chapter 8: Orenik Cyradis - Orcqlaneasion Directorate

I tried to gage Aeurik’s emotions when he returned to the bridge after spending time alone with our mate. As was always the case, I could not. My bond to my bound brother was tenuous at best and I often wondered if I had made the correct decision in allowing him to bond with Maerik and myself.

Conversely, my bond with Maerik was extremely strong. We had almost reached a level of telepathy, where we would be able to share each other’s thoughts. I used that bond to convey my desire for Auerik and our mate to be alone.  He did not agree, but rather than cause dissension he complied. I could only hope that I had again made the best decision.

I smelled the fragrant scent of cinnamon, and I knew our mate had joined us on the bridge. My heart was overjoyed, and I felt my sac fill like an untried young warrior. I wanted to rush to her and gather her in my arms, but such was not my way. Instead, I smiled and nodded to her, much like I would have done when greeting her in Galactic Alliance Conclave. She smiled back at me, although she did not come forward. She looked at Auerik and her smile left, her body stiffened. Finally, her gaze rested on Maerik, he stretched out his arm as if to beckon her forward and she immediately went to him. I sighed, I would have to figure out the dynamics of a relationship with a mate, something that I thought was far past me.

Thankfully, the computer chimed, letting us know that we had reached our destination. We were finally home, in Orcqlaneasus space.

“Maerik, contact our young brethren on the comms, I’m sure our mate wants to see her relative,” I said.

Immediately, Vivien smiled and hugged Maerik first, before walking over to me and hugging me also.  It was unexpected, touching my mate outside of our mating time, but I embraced her back, smiling down at her. She was truly perfection, this small brown human female that smelled of cinnamon.

Aerik spoke and immediately her body stiffened in my arms. “What, no embrace for me?” he said, a sneer in his voice.

The view screen flickered and Kaelix Voss appeared. He seemed more disheveled than when we spoke to him earlier.

“Greetings Elders of the Directorate, do you bring news of our mate’s status? She needs the birthing pools on Orcqlaneasus,” he said with no preamble.

Vivien returned to Maerik’s side in front of the viewscreen. “How is Nina, may I see her, speak with her?” Vivian pleaded anxiously.

“She is unconscious and has not woken up after her last round of contractions,” Kaelix said mournfully.

Vivien turned to Maerik, “Please take me to her.” She then looked at Kaelix, “May I transport over?” she queried.

Auerik spoke before Kaelix could respond, “That would be a breach of security and a direct violation of Orcqlaneasion laws. You cannot transport over. However, since you are mated to Orcqlaneasions, you are allowed to shuttle from this craft to theirs if accompanied by an Orcqlaneasion mate.”

“I will take her,” Maerik volunteered.

“You could, but you must also be present for the Directorate session to vote on the mating laws. Your vote will be needed for it to pass, as will yours brother Orenik. As you know, I have consistently been against the passage of these laws, but given the circumstance, I have decided to lend it my support. However, if I am delayed the vote will fair no worse, but if you both are, it might not pass.

“Fine, Auerik can take me, let’s just go,” Vivien said.

“Gather your belongings and I will meet you in the hangar,” Aurerik said to Vivien.

Seeing that no one had apprised Kaelix of the situation, I did so before closing the comms. Then I directed Maerik to engage automation and escort Vivien to the shuttle bay.  As Auerik strode from the bridge, I accompanied him.

“Brother Auerik, what transpired between you and our mate during your time alone?” I asked.

“What do you mean? I did what was expected. I said the words and fucked her as required,” he replied crudely.

“She seems uncomfortable with you. Can you explain why that might be?” I inquired, ignoring his vulgar response.

“Maybe my cock was too much for her small human body. She seems fine to me,” he said derisively.

“Auerik, take care of our mate as is your duty,” I stated firmly.

“I will, Brother Orenik. This I vow,” he said. However, the words from his lips did not match the gleam in his eye, and once again, I wondered if we should have saved him. There was a deceitfulness about him that was uncommon among bonded brothers. Had I been wrong to entrust our precious mate to his care? I must study and reflect on the situation carefully.

Chapter 9 - Ambassador Vivien Johnson

I was so close to seeing my Peanut that I forced myself to endure the short trip with my awful mate, Auerik. I couldn't believe he had volunteered to take me to see Nina, and I waited for the other shoe to drop.

We had just cleared the Elders' spaceship when it did.

“My brother Orenik seems to think you are uncomfortable around me. Are you uncomfortable?” he asked.

“No, I'm fine,” I said, wondering what game he was playing.

“Come, sit with me,” he said, beckoning me over to his side.

Again, I told him I was fine and attempted to ignore him. I sat quietly for about five minutes, trying to maintain my composure, before asking, “Is the ship moving?”

“No, it’s fine though. Go back to whatever it is that you’re doing,” he said sarcastically.

I stood up and walked over to him. “There’s no place for me to sit, so can I go back now?” I inquired.

“Sit here. There is plenty of space,” he said, directing me to sit on the floor in front of him.

“I see. So what happens if I don’t sit here, the ship doesn’t move, right?” I said.

“You are an exceedingly smart human, I’ve always thought that about you,” he said.

“Just to be clear, I only have to sit here or is there anything else?” I sighed. “Why are you doing this? You don’t even like me,” I asked in frustration.

“Exactly. Remember, you wanted to be my mate. I gave you a choice before, but you turned it down. This is the mate I want—a vessel for my seed, nothing more,” he smirked.

I sat on the floor in front of him as he resumed course toward the spaceship carrying my niece and unborn babies. I could easily learn to hate this male, but that would be too simple. That’s what he wanted—for me to hate him. He thrived on my anger, and it took all my strength to remain composed, knowing that showing any weakness would only give him more power over me. Instead, I focused on my inner resolve, determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.

He adjusted his Elder robes and lowered his leggings, getting comfortable. Then, he took hold of my ponytail and used it to guide me closer to his throbbing cock. Just as before, he forcefully pushed the spear-head cock into the back of my throat and began to thrust roughly. Despite not wanting this, I couldn't help but feel pleasure from the sensation.

"This is not satisfactory," he said, pulling away from me. "Sit here," he commanded, pointing to his wet cock.

I got up from my kneeling position and started to pull down my pants, humiliated by the situation.

"Take off your clothing," he ordered sternly. With trembling hands, I removed all of my clothes and stood before him naked.

He patted his lap, indicating that he wanted me to straddle him. I climbed over him and positioned myself above his  massive erection. Impatiently, he pulled me down onto him, impaling me with his thick cock. My body was still sore from our previous encounter, and he knew it.

"Ride me, human," he growled, gripping my breasts tightly in his claws and tugging on my nipples. The pain mixed with pleasure radiated through my body. He bit down hard on one of my nipples, causing me to cry out in a combination of agony and ecstasy. I couldn't hold back any longer and I came hard, convulsing around him.

He growled and held me tightly as he thrust upwards, releasing his hot seed into my body. His eyes were closed in pleasure as he experienced his own climax.

As I sat there on top of him, feeling the warmth of his release inside of me, I realized that I had finally found a way to wield power over this male - through pleasure. And at that moment, I knew exactly what I needed to do next.

He was toying with me, and if I allowed it, I would find no peace in this relationship. He might not like me, but he desired me. That would be my weapon. I would wield my power over him like the powerful woman that I was. I was no defenseless little girl, and he had treated me like a fuck toy. No more. He was mated to a grown-ass Black woman from St. Louis, Missouri, and he was going to learn what that meant. I was done being passive. I would turn his desire against him, making him crave me with an intensity that would consume him. He thought he could control me, but he was wrong. He would bow to me, weak and powerless, long before I ever let him humiliate me again.

Angrily, I disengaged myself from him, gathered my clothing, and stormed toward the small lavatory on board the shuttle to clean up. As I walked away, I could hear his mocking laughter echoing behind me, a cruel reminder of his attempt to belittle me, intensifying my resolve to make him pay.

When I reentered the bridge, chimes sounded, signaling our arrival. Though still angry from earlier, I set it aside to focus on reuniting with Peanut. I was too close now to let anything else distract me.

◆◆◆

I knew something was wrong immediately when none of my niece’s Space Orcs greeted us in the shuttle bay. Auerik pulled up a small tablet device and informed me that everyone was in the medical bay. He walked with purpose, as though he knew exactly where to go. Anxiously, I followed behind him, my worry growing with each passing second.

The scene in the med-bay was heart-wrenching. My beautiful little Peanut lay unconscious on the medical bed, surrounded by a protective wall of her alien mates. She was hugely pregnant, far more than nine months along, her brown skin stretched beyond human capacity. Her exposed belly rippled constantly with the movement of the alien babies inside. A small tube ran from her arm, the alien equivalent of an IV, pumping fluid into her system.

I walked slowly toward her, and her mates finally noticed our presence.

“Elder Auerik, Ambassador Johnson,” the one called Aerix said, “please excuse our impudence in not meeting your arrival; we are loathe to leave our mate and babes.”

Before Auerik could say something high-handed or inappropriate, I interjected. “How is Nina? Has she regained consciousness since we last spoke?”

“No,” the big alien known as Zephix replied somberly. “She has been this way for nearly four hours.”

I walked over to her, my heart heavy, and gently lifted her head, holding her hand tightly. A memory flashed through my mind of my brother lying comatose from a gunshot wound years ago. The weight of that memory pressed down on me, but I shook it off and focused on my niece.

“Hey Peanut,” I whispered, my voice trembling as I stroked her hair. “Auntie Vivi is here, baby. Please wake up. Your babies need you, your mates need you.” Tears streamed down my face, dripping onto her hair.

As I continued to stroke her hair, I felt a slight squeeze on my hand. Hope surged through me. Slowly, her tired eyes fluttered open. “Aunt Vivi, you're here,” she said weakly.

Kaelix spoke to Auerik, his tone desperate. “Elder Auerik, allow us entrance to the birthing pools on our homeworld. You can attest that our mate is in distress.”

Auerik considered for a moment, the weight of the decision evident. “I must return to the Directorate so we may vote on this matter, but knowing that time is critical, I will authorize you to bring your spaceship to the surface.”

Then, turning to me, he said, “Mate, you must not leave this craft. You are not allowed to set foot on Orcqlaneasion lands. Doing so would be a capital offense. I will allow their mate, your niece, to enter the birthing pools, for to not do so would cause her death and those of the Orcqlaneasion children she carries.” I nodded in agreement, dismissing him completely from my mind.

Auerik left, and Kaelix and Talix returned to the bridge to land the ship on their homeworld after several months in orbit just outside the planet’s atmosphere.

I clung to Peanut’s hand as her contractions resumed, the pain evident in her tear-streaked face now that she was alert again. It tore me apart to see her suffering so intensely, knowing there was nothing I could do. Each agonizing scream seemed to stretch time itself, with only brief, fleeting moments of respite in between.

Talix burst into the med-bay, his voice urgent. “We have landed.” Aerix quickly detached Nina’s arm from the alien IV, and Zephix scooped her up. I moved to follow, but Talix blocked my path.

“You cannot come with us. It is forbidden by our laws. You must stay on the ship,” he insisted.

My frustration and anger surged. These xenophobic laws were not only restricting access to critical resources my niece needed, but they were also keeping me from her when she needed me the most.

“I don’t care about your laws, especially if they are wrong. I am not a hostile force here to invade your lands, as you clearly know. I want to be with my niece. She needs me. You saw how she woke up when she heard my voice. Unless you plan to lock me in here against my will, I am going with you,” I declared fiercely.

Nina's scream pierced the air, and her mates, ignoring me, rushed through the ship to the exit. Outside, we swiftly boarded a large land transport. This vehicle hovered just above the ground using a sophisticated system of magnetic energy, ready to whisk us away to the birthing pools.

I was struck by the beauty of the planet, but I could not take it in as I worried about my niece, her contractions coming harder and faster within minutes of each other.

Finally, her mates stopped at an otherworldly waterfall. It was breathtaking in its alienness, with green and purple pods spilling into a pool of blue-green water. A haze of fog or steam drifted off the waters as Zephix carried her into the shallow end of the pond, removing her clothing in the process. Her mates and I stepped into the pool with her. Instantly, her screams subsided and she seemed at peace.

Calmly, she said, “I’m okay, I’m okay now. I only feel pressure from the babies ready to be born, but the pain is gone. Aerix, my love, can you check to see if I am fully dilated as I showed you before?”

Aerix went under the shallow water. I saw Nina wince slightly, and Aerix emerged.

“You are dilated, and I see the top of the head of our babe waiting to be born. With the next contraction, if you push hard, my mate, our son will be born,” he said excitedly.

Nina smiled, and then her body shook as a strong contraction passed through her. Although the pain had diminished, there was tremendous pressure and effort expended to push the alien babies from her exhausted body. With her alien mates, we adjusted our positions, and finally, at Nina’s request, I stood between her legs as she pushed the first small green alien baby from her body. I cut the cord attaching mother and child, and Talix came forth as I handed him the tiny squirming baby. All the males and Nina were smiling. I could barely see through my tears. Nina pushed again, and the baby’s afterbirth flowed into the pond.

She leaned back into Zephix’s arms as another strong contraction seized her body. She pushed again and expelled another small green alien with black curly hair matted to its little head. Once more, I cut the cord, and her body expelled the afterbirth. This time, Aerix stepped forward and took the baby from my hands, his joy unmistakable and shared by all in this newly formed alien family.

Almost immediately, another contraction hit, followed by the arrival of her third son. As I cut the cord and the afterbirth flowed from Nina, the small alien baby made his presence known by crying angrily, as though we had disturbed his slumber. Kaelix, beaming with pride at his son’s assertive entrance, took the baby from me.

Only one baby remained, the son of Zephix. Nervously, we waited as the final contractions wracked Nina’s exhausted body. She struggled more to push this baby out; he was larger than his brothers, as expected from Zephix's lineage. Finally, the baby emerged, somewhat bigger by a pound or two but just as beautiful. After cutting the cord, Zephix took his son, gazing in amazement at the small green child. Nina’s body expelled the last of the afterbirth, and she lay back in the birth pool as her mates, holding the babies, and I left the water.

Nina stretched out and let the waters cover her. I watched in awe as a fog wrapped around her body, shimmering with tiny pinpricks of gold, silver, and white lights. It was mystical and otherworldly. Nina was now connected to this strange alien planet through the birth of her Orcqlaneasion babies.

Although I was unsure before, I knew now without a doubt that she would never return to Earth. She had found her home and created a new family. I was proud of her and thrilled to be a great-aunt—or was it grand-aunt? Either way, I was happy.

The strange lights around Nina dissipated, and the fog lifted. She rose from the water like a mother goddess. Her breasts were full, and although her stomach was not flat, it had markedly reduced in size back to its pre-pregnancy state. She stepped from the pool, and I handed her the covering Zephix had removed before she entered the water. It was amazing; she showed no ill effects from labor and delivery. In fact, she moved around as though she hadn’t given birth to four alien babies just minutes before.

Excitedly, she kissed and held one alien baby after another. Little Kaelix continued to wail, so she placed him near her breast and guided his tiny mouth to her distended nipple. The baby immediately latched on and stopped crying. I felt like an intruder on this intimate family scene.

Kaelix picked up his mate and their baby, and we all returned to the hovercraft to head back to the ship. Upon arriving, we were greeted by ten members of the Directorate, three of whom I knew intimately. They were all imposing figures, with long white hair and flowing robes of gold and white, similar to those worn by my mates. The oldest and most serious-looking one spoke first.

“Greetings, Earth Mother Nina Bridges. I am Chief Elder, Illbrien Rezz. The people of the Orcqlaneasus welcome you and thank you for the miraculous gifts you have bestowed upon our people: the next generation of Orcqlaneasions. The healing waters of our planet have accepted your life-giving tribute, and you are now one with its people,” the Elder leader said. He slowly waved his hand in an arc, and gold swirls visibly appeared on Nina’s body.

She looked at the swirling patterns on her arms and hands and asked, “What did you do?”

He replied, “I did nothing. These are the gifts bestowed upon you by the healing waters. At great peril to yourself, you reached the healing waters and brought forth the future generation of the Orcqlaneasion warriors.”

He then turned to me, and I could tell by looking at my mates that whatever he was going to say would not bode well for me. Maerik seemed angry, Orenik looked resigned, and Auerik was downright giddy.

“Ambassador Vivian Johnson of Earth, mate to Elders Orenik Cyradis, Maerik Valtorin, and Auerik Zephiron, you have been found guilty of infiltrating Orcqlaneasus space. The penalty for this is death by execution. You will remain in our detention facility until such time when your execution will be carried out by your mates, as absolution for their dereliction of duties in mating with a human and allowing said human to infiltrate our boundaries. You have 72 hours to put your affairs in order. Your mates will escort you to the detention facility.”

I stood speechless, in a state of shock. Around me, I heard yelling, but I could barely make it out as my mind struggled to comprehend the words I had just heard.

Nina yelled at the Elders, “Wait, you can’t execute my aunt. If she hadn’t been here, my babies and I would have died!”

“It’s true. Our mate was unconscious for four hours and could not be roused. It was only when she heard the voice of her relative that she came back to us and was able to give birth to our sons. If she had not been here, we would have lost them all,” Aerix implored.

“Please, you can’t kill my aunt. Deport her, send her back to Earth. She’s a mate to Orcqlaneasions just like me. Don’t we have any rights on your planet?”

“Earth Mother Nina, as a life-giving mother to Orcqlaneasions, you have all the rights of full citizenship. Vivian Johnson, however, who became a mate through a series of deceptions, does not have these rights. She must be punished according to our laws.”

“Is there no other punishment? Please, my aunt delivered my babies. She can’t die for helping me. Everything she did was to make sure I was safe. She saved our lives.”

“I have heard your words and your pleas for mercy. As a gift to you for the birth of your sons, I will commute her sentence to ten years on the prison planet Altrez for her crimes against the citizenry of Orcqlaneasus. I will amend the sentence for her mates to remain in tier 1 status in the Directorate for 10 years to coincide with her imprisonment.”

“Ten years as a novice? This is unjust. I told you of her deception, her infiltration. My bound brothers and I are her victims in this. Sever our ties as mates, and restore us to our place of honor in the Directorate.”

“Elder Maerik, what say you on this matter?”

“My mate will never survive Altrez for 10 years. I request to go in her stead, and I will cede my position in the Directorate. Send me to Altrez for her crimes, and deport her back to her homeworld as Earth Mother Nina has suggested.”

“Elder Orenik, you have remained silent. What can you offer?”

“I am in agreement with my bound brother Maerik. Our mate will not survive the brutal prison planet for 10 years. I also request to go in her stead. I cede my position in the Directorate and ask that she be deported back to Earth, following the wise counsel of our young Earth Mother Nina Bridges.”

“I see, this is as our brother Elder Auerik has advised. The human has somehow bewitched both of you brothers, to the point that you would leave your homeworld and positions of honor on the Directorate. She is a scourge and is befitting the crime of execution. However, I will cede to Earth Mother Nina’s request. Her sentence will be ten years at a less violent detention facility. We will review her progress annually to determine if she is worthy of parole. Elder brethren, your sentence will coincide with hers. You will be placed in novice status with annual reviews. You are mates, and these ties cannot be broken.”

I felt Nina hug me, and I hugged her back. I think I was still in shock. I physically couldn’t speak, even if I had words to say. My sentence had been commuted from death to ten years within a few minutes. Maerik wrapped his arm around me and guided me to the ship with the other Elders. Once inside, he continued to hold onto me as we walked to a cabin similar to the one I had before. We sat on the bed, and I started to cry. He held me as I cried myself to sleep.

I awoke sometime later, and he was still near me, along with Orenik. I started crying again, inconsolable. The events of the last few days had taken their toll, and I was mentally, physically, and emotionally drained.

“What happens next?” I asked Orenik. I knew he would objectively lay out the facts of my upcoming imprisonment.

“We are en route to a small prison planetoid in Quadrant 4. Its designation is nonviolent, housing primarily political prisoners, deposed royalty, and ideological dissidents from various star systems. It is highly guarded, but the primary wardens at this facility are androids. Follow the rules, little one, and I vow you will be released at your first parole.”

“She has trouble following the rules, as we all know. Perhaps give her more clear directives,” Auerik said, having slithered in while my mates were trying to console me.

I felt Maerik withdraw from me, his ire raised as he headed toward his bound brother. Knowing that a conflict between Orcqlaneasion males did not bode well for any of us, I asked him to return to me.

“Maerik, lie with me please. This may be my last chance of freedom for who knows how long,” I said seductively. I felt Orenik pull away to give us privacy, but I found myself saying words I never expected to hear myself say. “Stay with me, I want you both.”

They quickly undressed and carefully removed my clothes. As they noticed the angry claw marks on my chest, they both growled, turning their attention to Auerik. He seemed torn between wanting to leave and wanting to stay.

Orenik broke the silence, surprising me, "Brother, what have you done to our mate? We trusted you to take care of her, yet there is clear evidence that you have harmed her."

He raised my chin with his claw  and asked, "What else has he done to you, little one?" This was my chance to expose him; after all, he had orchestrated everything. From getting me onto the shuttle alone to leaving me with an unconscious Nina, he knew enough about me to know I would follow her onto the planet despite their laws. The cruelest and most just punishment would be for his brothers to abandon him for me.

We all looked at him. Orenik with disgust, Maerik with anger, and me with vindication. “Every being is different, my mate. He finds his pleasure in pain, but it is nothing that I cannot handle,” I said, letting him off the hook. “You may leave, Auerik,” I dismissed him, but he did not move.

“I wish to stay and pleasure you, my mate,” he insisted.

“I do not want your painful pleasure, Auerik. The coming days alone, isolated on an alien prison planet, will be painful enough.” My words must have struck a nerve, for the first time, I saw genuine emotion on his face.

He left the room and instead of focusing on him, I turned my attention back to my other two mates, stroking their hard cocks with eager hands. With lightning speed Orenik grabbed me and flipped me, positioning my drenched pussy over his face. The once composed Elder transformed into a wild, ravenous beast as he devoured me with his tongue and lips. He licked and sucked at my core as though possessed, greedily savoring every drop of my essence until I was consumed by wave after wave of mind-blowing pleasure.

Maerik stood up and offered me his spear-head cock. Unlike Auerik, he let me take my time, enjoying the minty and slightly spicy taste as I swirled my tongue around it. I hollowed my cheeks to take him in deeper, using what I had learned from Auerik to pleasure Maerik. I could easily become addicted to his unique taste as I continued to suck and slurp on his cock until he came in my mouth. He pulled out and watched as I licked his essence off my lips, growling with satisfaction.

My body was exhausted from the numerous orgasms Orenik had given me with his skilled tongue. He lifted me off of his face and positioned me on top of his erection. As he entered me, I couldn't help but be startled by the visible imprint of his massive cock on my stomach, which initially freaked me out. But he seemed to enjoy it as he thrust deep into my core, taking complete control of my body.

As I rode Orenik, I felt Maerik's presence behind me. His strong hands gripped my hips, guiding my movements on top of Orenik. Suddenly, I felt Orenik's hand reach between my legs and spread my cheeks apart, exposing my tight hole to Maerik's eager mouth. He licked and probed, making me moan with pleasure.

Though I had tried anal sex before and found it unpleasant, the thought of this being my last night of freedom made me willing to give it another chance. As Maerik pulled back, I braced myself for his entry. Orenik held me open as Maerik slowly eased inside me.

With each thrust from Orenik, Maerik pushed deeper inside me. The sensations were overwhelming. Just when I thought I couldn't take any more, Orenik bit down on my nipple, sending an electric shock through my body, momentarily distracting me from the intense pleasure building within me. Taking advantage of the distraction, Maerik pushed all the way in.

My body was caught between them, completely at their mercy. I couldn't control the sounds that escaped my lips as they both penetrated me–one from the front and one from behind, working in perfect synchronization.

The bond between us grew stronger with each thrust. We were completely connected now, our energies merging and sizzling in the air around us. It was a powerful feeling that left me breathless and wanting more.

As we reached the peak of our pleasure, Auerik re-entered the room. Perhaps he sensed the bond between us, but he would not be a part of it. He stood in the dark corner, watching and stroking his own cock in desperation longing to join us. But we rejected him, focused only on each other in this moment of pure ecstasy.

Orenik, who had begun our passionate romp, reached his climax first. His cum filled up my pussy and womb to the point that my stomach looked distended. As we shifted sideways to allow him to withdraw from my body, Maerik continued pounding into my ass from behind, his strong hands grasping my heavy breasts. The pleasure was intense, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of emptiness inside me. My body craved all my mates. I looked at Auerik in the corner and nodded. He walked over hesitantly, and both Orenik and Maerik growled possessively.

Despite their warning, Auerik climbed onto the bed and Maerik helped spread my legs so he could enter me. The sound and sensation of him thrusting into me was deliciously satisfying.

Maerik maneuvered us again so that Auerik was on the bottom, eagerly fucking up into me while Maerik continued in my ass with renewed vigor. Overwhelmed with pleasure, I opened my mouth to scream and Orenik took advantage by pushing his cock inside. It surprised me at first, but I quickly succumbed to the pleasure of having all three of my mates inside my body at the same time. The intense sensations causing another wave of ecstasy to wash over me as we fucked amongst the stars on a starship taking me to prison.

Finally, Maerik reached his climax and pulled out, releasing onto my ass. Orenik followed soon after, spurting onto my neck and breasts. Only Auerik remained, pounding away inside me with unbridled passion until he too reached his peak and bit down on my breast, in his usual display of dominance, pushing me over the edge into one last orgasm before we all collapsed together in a tangle of limbs and drifted off to sleep.

Hours later, I awoke surrounded by my mates. I heard the swish of the door opening and saw Chief Elder Illibrien standing at the entrance, looking in with a mix of amazement and perhaps envy.

Seeing that I was awake, he said, “We are here, human. Say goodbye to your mates. I will return within the hour.”

His voice woke my mates, and they turned to shield my body from his view. “She will be ready,” Orenik said, his voice filled with anger. It was the first time I had ever heard any strong emotion from him other than his usual calm demeanor.

The Chief Elder left, and my mates all looked defeated, even Auerik, who had caused this whole ordeal in the first place. Maerik pulled me from the bed and carried me to the lavatory, announcing he would help me get ready.

He turned on the shower and I stepped in with him, feeling the warm water wash over my skin.  For once I wasn’t worried about my hair since I figured no one would see it. He quickly lathered himself and then turned his attention to me. His claws explored every inch of my body, paying special attention to my breasts and between my legs. The sensation of being cleaned by my seven foot tall sculpted alien was both strange and incredibly sensual. When I was thoroughly clean, he lifted me up effortlessly and plunged his hard cock inside me. The steamy water added to the erotic atmosphere as he thrust into me, our bodies slick and entwined under the cascading droplets. This would be a memory to treasure during the long stretches of loneliness in the days and weeks ahead. As we both reached our climax, there was a sudden knock at the door. He let out a growl of frustration. I couldn't help but laugh as I held onto my mate, still caught up in the intensity of our love-making.

“I’m scared, Maerik. I don’t want to go,” I said truthfully.

“Shall I pull on my warrior’s armor and fight our way off this ship? Say the word, and I will,” he said. And I knew he was not being facetious; he would truly fight through his fellow elders if only I asked. But I would never turn him against his brothers. I had proven that last night when I let Auerik back into my bed and into my body.

Chapter 10: Maerik Valtorin - Orcqlaneasion Directorate

Watching my beloved mate walk through the arches of the prison installment on the planet Rhizor was the most enraging thing I have ever endured. My warrior’s heart screamed at the injustice, and the bloodlust I felt was only tempered by the anchors of my bound brother Orenik and my mate Vivien. Any connection to my bound brother Auerik was severed completely after he brought about this series of events. The betrayal and fury burned within me, a constant reminder of the price we all paid for his actions.

Even now, gazing at the lush forests of my homeworld, I felt a profound sense of loss without her, as though a vital piece of my soul was missing. The emptiness was haunting, echoing the grief I felt years ago when my bound brother Daemik was killed on our first assignment. Her absence left a void that nothing could fill, a constant reminder of the love and companionship that was now painfully out of reach.

Chimes sounded in my residence, alerting me to a visitor. I checked the security feed and saw it was my mate’s relative, or as she had asked me to refer to her, niece. As always, she was accompanied by her mates and her delightful babies.

I opened the doors, and she and her troupe of mates and babies rushed in.

“Hello, Uncle Maerik,” she said, giving me a hug. Invariably, one of her mates, usually Zephix, would give a low growl.

“Oh, will you stop that? Every time... He’s my uncle, our uncle... never mind.” She had explained to each of us several times that by marriage or mating, we were connected or related. I liked this idea of connection to the small human female and her brood. She was like a younger, more talkative version of my mate, and whenever she visited, which was quite often, it pulled me from my melancholy mood.

One of the babies began to cry and she picked him up and pulled out her breast to feed him. I generally tried to look away, but I was honored to be in the presence of a mother providing nourishment to her child, a moment I revered and respected.

“So, I thought we could go to the General Assembly today and put in our petition again. I honestly think we are wearing them down. Plus, every time we go, they love to fuss over the babies. I also think we need to make sure they have preparations in place for the next set of hybrid births. Although I’m no real fan of Thalia and her crew, she is definitely going to need the birthing pools. I think Aerix has been in contact with them, but I’m not sure. And then, of course, there are Yvonne’s babies. They should be born within weeks of Thalia’s, if not days. We’re building a real community here. Once Aunt Vivi gets back, everything will be perfect, but there are quite a lot of plans to be made.”

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and despite my lingering sadness, I felt a glimmer of hope for the future she described.

She used her finger to gently pluck the baby's little mouth away from her breast. She patted him on his small back, and he gave a hearty burp. Handing him to his father, she picked up another cranky baby. “Believe it or not, Uncle, I fed all four of these little monsters before I left, but they’re always hungry.” She adjusted and put this son at her other breast, again giving him nourishment.

I decided to broach a topic that would surely be a bone of contention. “Have you decided upon names for your sons? With so many new babies soon to arrive, your sons should have names.”

“I agree,” Kaelix said, holding his son. “We have not been able to agree on names. Our mate does not like our naming conventions, so my sons remain nameless.”

“They’re not nameless,” she countered. “There’s Little K, Little Z, Little A, and Little T.”

In unison, her mates groaned at the ridiculous human names she wanted to give the children. I laughed heartily. This little niece and her family were good for my soul.

“I agree with your mates. I do not like these names. They will grow into strong warriors, but how will they be taken seriously with a name like Little Z?” I said.

"Especially if he is like his sire and grows to be nearly eight feet tall.” We all turned when we heard Auerik voice this commentary. Immediately, the tension rose in the room, and all talking ceased. Although Auerik had apologized for his role in having Vivien sent away, no one had forgiven him, least of all Nina. She blamed herself for Vivien to a great extent, but she wholly blamed Auerik, as we all did.

She eased the baby from her breast and handed him to his father. Adjusting her clothing, she said, “Let’s go, Uncle Maerik. We have lots to do and very little time. I want to make sure we get that petition in early so they can call for a vote at the next session.”

“I will go with you this morning. I can lobby directly on your behalf,” Auerik offered.

Nina had vowed not to speak to him until Vivien had returned, and she remained true to her word. Her mate, Aerix, however, spoke on her behalf with great deference, “Elder Auerik, we appreciate your kind gesture. However, our transport is full with our mate, babies, their numerous necessary items, and of course, all of us. In truth, we have no place of honor for our beloved Uncle Elder Maerik. We beg your apologies and seek your understanding from your humble brethren of the Warrior class.”

I struggled again not to laugh at Aerix’s obvious obsequiousness. While Auerik was equal parts honored and offended by the slight Aerix had achieved on behalf of us all.

Unperturbed, Auerik pressed on. “I will see you there, perhaps. Yes, perhaps we can dine in the great hall as a family unit for the noon meal. I will make the arrangements,” he said glibly and left.

“If I didn’t think it would wake up the babies, I would scream. Okay team, let’s go. Operation Charm Offensive is on the move,” Nina said.

Yes, I liked being Uncle Maerik far better than Elder Maerik, and I enjoyed being part of Nina’s extended family. The only thing that was missing was my mate, Vivien. Perhaps today would bring us a step closer to her release.

Chapter 11:  Ambassador Vivien Johnson

What I imagined the prison planet to be and what it turned out to be were two wholly different things. In my imagination, there were aliens of different species in prison fights with shivs and lasers. The reality was nothing like that. I’m sure there were prison systems like that, but this one wasn’t. I would place it somewhere between an artist colony and a farm or kibbutz.

There were no prison cells, only rustic-like cabins. Each one-room cabin was equipped with the basic necessities for the incarcerated species. My cabin had a bed, a small sofa, a fireplace, a small kitchen area with a table and chair, and a bathroom area. It was very basic with no frills, but it was a far cry from what I had expected.

I spent most of my time outside gardening, or at least attempting to garden. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but every day I made the effort. An android had given me a list of suitable activities at the start of my incarceration, and gardening had been the one that seemed least odious. I didn’t know how to sew or make clothes. I couldn’t hunt for food or fish. I couldn’t build or fix things. The list of things I couldn’t do was pretty long. Never had I felt so useless in my life, so I tried gardening and prayed desperately that I wouldn’t be here long enough for anything to actually grow.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Something did grow—me. I was pregnant. I couldn’t believe it. I was 56, almost 57 years old, and I was currently in the last stages of my pregnancy. I estimated that I had been here close to a year and based on my size and the movement of the babies, I judged that they would be ready to be born soon. I had come to accept it, but at first, I was resentful. I honestly had never wanted children. I’d focused on my career in my twenties and thirties, and it had really taken off in my forties. I was completely comfortable being Aunt Vivi, and then meeting and mentoring Lydia, as young, brilliant, and misguided as she had been, fulfilled any desire I had for leaving a legacy.

This miracle pregnancy had probably saved my life, definitely my sanity. I figured out pretty early that I was pregnant, and so did the android guards, much to their annoyance. I spoke to my boys every day. I told them about their fathers and made up names for each of them. The androids regularly took me to the medical station, which was the only time I caught a glimpse of any of the other prisoners. My hope was that I’d be released at my first parole hearing so that I could have my babies where Orcqlaneasion babies should be born, on their home planet. I wished for this desperately, almost as much as I wished that I could share this experience with my mates. I had known them for years, but I didn’t really know them at all.

Maerik was easy to love; he was charming and noble, a true warrior. He would be overjoyed to know that he was going to be a father, especially this late in life. Orenik, on the other hand, was more buttoned up. He rarely showed his emotions. He’d been perfectly content in his role as a wise Elder, and then I shook up his world. I knew exactly how he’d handle fatherhood. He'd be great, mediating fights between the boys, giving sage advice. Every time we’d made love, his heart opened more to me and mine to him.

And then there was Auerik. He was damaged. He’d been hurt, and he only knew how to give hurt. He loved his brothers fiercely and desperately needed to be in their bond, but his actions continually pushed him away. He was xenophobic and a bully. He’d probably say something awful about half-breed children, angering all of us. Then he’d be contrite, not quite understanding why he was always on the outside, never quite in the circle. He didn’t deserve this gift. He was the reason I was here, or maybe I was. He did tell me very clearly that I would be committing a grave offense, but I hadn’t listened. Even though I could accept him in my bed, I couldn’t accept him as a father to my children. He was too broken, and in his brokenness, he would hurt them.

There was a continuous hum outside my cabin that caused me to cease my musings.

“Penal inmate, Vivien Johnson, exit the domicile.” The robotic voice captured my attention. I rose from my small kitchen table and walked outside into the overly bright lights. The robotic drone scanned my body, probably to make sure I was the correct person.

“Penal inmate, Vivien Johnson, enter the transport vehicle,” the voice said this time. The bright lights from the scan prevented me from seeing the hovercraft. I entered the hovercraft, and the vehicle took off.

I was hopeful that today was the day I would finally get to leave, but I’d been disappointed before, especially over the last few weeks. Wherever the transport was headed, it took several minutes, and even though I was nervous, the motion and hum of the engine lulled me to sleep.

“Penal inmate, Vivien Johnson, exit the transport vehicle and await further instructions,” the voice said, waking me from my nap. I followed the voice’s directions and exited the hovercraft. I looked around and seemed to be in a shuttle bay or hangar. It kind of reminded me of how I began my journey at Lydia’s facility so many months ago.

Another drone drifted into view. “Greetings, Vivien Johnson, please enter transport shuttle X-9715-407. You are to be returned to the detention center in Orcqlaneasus for your annual parole review,” the drone stated robotically.

I entered the shuttle and looked around. As I stood at the console, the shuttle lifted, and a robotic voice gave more instructions.

“Greetings, Vivien Johnson, please be seated and prepare for takeoff. This shuttle has been programmed to deliver you to the planet Orcqlaneasus where you will await your annual parole review. Any attempt to circumvent this shuttle will activate the self-destruct command. Any attempt to send out a message will activate the self-destruct command. Any attempt to adjust the navigation system will activate the self-destruct command. You should arrive in three days traveling at Galactic Standard speed. Have a nice flight.”

That was quite unsettling. Note to self, don’t touch anything. I walked around looking for the essentials: sleeping quarters, food dispenser, lavatory. I especially needed to find the lavatory. I tried to get comfortable, but that was impossible given my size. I tried to relax, but my mind kept thinking about all the things that could go wrong in the five days it took to get from here to Orcqlaneasus. I was forced to do the thing I hated most—wait.

Chapter 12: Auerik Zephiron- Orcqlaneasion Directorate

Every night, I heard screams—sometimes mine, sometimes my bound brothers, sometimes hers. I feared for my sanity once again. I had lived almost twenty years unbound, slipping ever deeper into the abyss of permanent insanity. Being bound kept Orcqlaneasion males balanced. Violence was in our nature, but the bond to other brothers, each of different temperament, kept us in harmony with our planet and our brothers. I cherished this bond, having lost it once, fearing losing it again. The constant night terrors were a signal my bond was deteriorating with my brothers. I didn’t think such a thing could happen, but perhaps since I was re-bonded, the ties were not as strong and were beginning to fray. Having a mate was meant to reinforce the bonds, but it seemed to be weakening them instead.

I thought frequently of my mate. She would often vex me when she served as Ambassador during the Distant Wars. Our primary enemy throughout the five years of conflict, the Mesetholaie, were incredibly formidable adversaries. She had no idea how dangerous they were—none did. She should not have been involved in the decisions of war, yet she was. I could see even then how my bound brother Maerik admired her fire and Orenik respected her counsel. I felt nothing for her except distrust and annoyance. She was alien, and all aliens were evil at their core. Her beauty only disguised her deceptive nature.

I tried to reconcile what I knew to be true about aliens with the reality of the human mothers who had taken residence on our planet. Each had given birth in the healing waters and been granted the mystical golden tattoos, indicating their bond with our planet through their gifts of life. Despite my conviction that all aliens were deceitful, these human mothers were different. They had integrated into our society and earned our respect. But Vivien was not like the others; she was no young, life-bringing mother. She had tricked us into mating with her, evidence of alien deception.

I had planned for her to be caught on the planet’s surface helping her relative. I told Chief Elder Illbrien of her deception. He agreed that she was a problem and should be banished from Orcqlaneasus and never allowed to return. I was as surprised as my brethren when he delivered a sentence of death. I was thankful that Earth Mother Nina spoke on my mate’s behalf and provided an alternate solution. Yet perhaps death was preferable.

Decades ago, before the Distant Wars, my former bound brothers and I were held captive by the Mesetholaie. They tortured us relentlessly for three years, searching for ways to destroy us. Despite their use of acid venom, our Orcqlaneasions skin remained impenetrable and our strength was too great to be contained in their cocoons. In desperate attempts to find solutions, they resorted to peeling off our skin and dissecting our bodies one by one. Just as they began this agonizing process on me, I was rescued by two teams of Warrior brethren led by my current bound brother, Maerik. It took years for my physical wounds to heal, but my mind was shattered. I became unbound, adrift and lost in a mindless sea of delusions and agony. Once again, it was Maerik who saved me. He and Orenik accepted me as a bound brother, pulling me back from the brink of insanity and preventing me from being euthanized for the "good" of the brotherhood.

I would never forget nor forgive the aliens responsible for my misery and the murder of my brethren. While seeking mates, my former brethren and I encountered female Gernicians, a translucent species known for their benevolence. Instead of showing goodness, they revealed themselves to be treacherous. They devised a scheme to entrap us and handed us over to our Mesetholaie torturers. From that day forward, I learned never to trust aliens; all aliens were inherently evil.

I trusted none other than Orcqlaneasions. No, I also trusted the Earth Mothers who gave life to our next generation. They were worthy; my mate was not. But did she deserve to be imprisoned? I kept remembering the words she said the last time we were together: "The coming days alone, isolated on an alien prison planet, will be painful." Sometimes the words came to me in a sweet dream as she mated with my bound brothers and me taking our cocks deep within her body. Sometimes the words came in night terrors as I heard her screams.

Soon she would be here for her annual parole. I would be asked to give testimony for or against her. No matter how duplicitous and scheming she may be, she did not deserve what I had gone through, and if she had survived one year of isolation on the alien prison planet, she had been punished enough. I may not want her as a mate, but I could not live with her agony on my soul.

◆◆◆

Warning sirens alerted the residents of Orcqlaneasus whenever a spacecraft entered Orcqlaneasion space. This craft, however, was expected. It was the shuttle bringing my mate home for her annual parole review. No matter how deceitful she was, she was my mate and the mate to my bound brothers, each of whom cared for her deeply and would do anything to keep her here on Orcqlaneasus. As much as I admittedly desired her and often gave in to her tempting form, I knew that she had to return to Earth or she would destroy us all.

The parole hearing of my mate was a major event, necessitating a special meeting of the General Assembly of the Directorate. Whereas sentencing had previously been conducted by Chief Elder Illbrien Rezz solely, now all members could view the recordings compiled by the android wardens to determine if the inmate had completed the assigned tasks and shown contrition. Elders would then vote on the matter, with a simple majority determining the outcome. If the inmate was paroled, the terms of the parole would be given, and Elders (my bound brothers and I) would be assigned to monitor the inmate. If parole was not granted, the inmate would be returned to the prison facility to complete another year of detention, with reviews conducted annually.

Every Elder and resident, including the hybrid children, were assembled in the Great Hall awaiting the arrival of the shuttlecraft carrying the criminal Vivien Johnson, my mate. As expected, I stood next to my bound brothers, the closest we had been to each other in several weeks. The residents with the mewling hybrid children sat on the first dais at the far corner, while the relatives of the criminal were seated near the middle, almost directly behind where we stood. It was expected that we escort the criminal to the central podium where she would stand and view the recording, and at its conclusion, a vote would take place.

The shuttle entered the assembly hall, and all eyes turned to see my beautiful, treacherous mate. The shuttle door opened, and Vivien slowly walked out and into the waiting arms of my two bound brothers. I had resolved not to look, knowing she would make fools of them once again. It was not until I heard the collective gasp from those assembled that I beheld my mate.

Chapter 13: Ambassador Vivien Johnson

The three-day journey from the prison planet was uneventful for the most part, except for one thing. About midway through the journey, I went into labor. I had hoped it wouldn’t happen, but of course, it did. It started with pains in my lower back that I tried to ignore, but then they got sharper, and I realized what was happening. Fortunately, that was all that happened initially. The next day, things got a little worse, but I was still okay. I wanted to ask the computer for help or instructions on what to do in case of an emergency, but the whole speech about self-destruction was somewhat off-putting. Today was the worst so far. I timed the contractions, which went from every three hours to every two hours. If I could just make it through the review hearing, I could have my babies on Orcqlaneasus.

The shuttle parked in the middle of the assembly hall, and as the doors opened, I slowly walked off. Waiting for me were two of my three mates, Maerik and Orenik, and I cried tears of joy as I walked into their waiting arms. They both held me with broad smiles on their faces. Each took a step back, placing their claws on my pregnant belly, and a collective gasp was heard throughout the assembly. I looked over and saw my other mate, Auerik, standing apart, never in the circle. He walked towards me at the same time a hard contraction hit, causing me to double over.

Maerik lifted me and yelled at the Chief Elder, “She is in labor! She needs to go to the healing waters of the birthing pools so that our sons can be born.” There was a loud uproar from the Elders who apparently agreed with Maerik.

“Order, order! The criminal Vivien Johnson must stand for her parole review hearing in front of this Directorate as part of her contrition. Failure to do so will result in her immediate return to the prison facility at Rhizor.”

“Maerik, put me down. I can do this. There is still time. I can’t go back there. Please, let me stand,” I begged.

I knew he didn’t want to let me go, but he would listen to me and do as I asked, because he loved me.

“Chief Elder Illbrien, may we reschedule the parole review hearing given that our mate may give birth to our sons at any moment,” Orenik stated calmly.

“No, we will not reschedule the parole hearing for the criminal Vivien Johnson,” he said emphatically.

I grabbed Orenik’s claw in my left hand and Maerik’s in my right, and I slowly walked to the podium with Auerik following behind.

“We will begin with a statement on behalf of the criminal by her mate Elder Maerik Valtorin.”

Maerik lifted me and kissed me deeply, leaving me breathless. He placed me in the arms of his bound brother Orenik and delivered his message to the assembly.

“I, Elder Maerik Valtorin, stand before you to support my beloved mate, Vivien Johnson. She has been found guilty of the crime of infiltrating our planet and has served a year alone in isolation on the prison planet of Rhizor. This shames me, as it should you. My mate did nothing worthy of this punishment. She sought to help her young niece as she gave birth to sons of Orcqlaneasus, and for that, she was punished. I think not. Perhaps her true crime was infiltrating the hearts of Elders. As Elders, we govern our dying breed as we wait to die. We make laws and rules because we have nothing else of import to do. Yet this human has shown that we are not warriors past our prime. The seed of Elder brethren grows in her now, proving that we are still virile and potent. You punish her when you seek to punish us for daring to love, to mate with this exotic beauty from the stars. You punish her in your jealousy and envy. You punish her for our love, and it is not worthy of the warrior’s heart hidden behind your Elder robes.”

I was pretty sure that Maerik’s message was not well received by his Elder brethren based on the growls and stomping sounds that reverberated through the assembly hall. It didn’t matter because he spoke from his warrior’s heart, not as a diplomat, not as an Elder, but as a mate angry at the injustice of the situation and deeply in love.

He turned from his place at the podium, lifted me again, this time kissing my pregnant belly, again spitting in the face of his Elder brethren, and I loved him for it.

I was not nearly as excited about Auerik’s upcoming comments. He’d barely looked at me when I arrived and although he was standing near, he was as always, apart from both his brethren and me.

“We will now hear a statement on behalf of the people of Orcqlaneasus from the criminal’s mate, Elder Auerik Zephiron."

“I, Elder Auerik Zephiron, stand before you on behalf of the Elders of Orcqlaneasus. I come to you ashamed. I fell victim to the wiles of the human Vivien Johnson. I gave in to the temptation of her body even knowing the duplicity of alien females. I have felt the pain of their treachery, losing bound brothers in my prime. Many of you may wonder why then would I choose to mate with such a creature. The answer to that is simple: for my bound brothers, both of whom have great affection for her. And now I see her today, full with my seed, a sight incomprehensible to me. I am conflicted, brethren, for what I have believed to be true for so long may not be true at all. I give the matter to you, brothers, to decide, for I am unworthy as an Elder, as a bound brother, as a mate, and as a father.”

I think the three of us—Maerik, Orenik, and I—let out a collective sigh when Auerik finished speaking. While it was far from a ringing endorsement of my character, it at least gave way to the possibility of a life with him, one that I had decided was an impossibility before.

As he walked from the podium, I walked toward him and reached my hand out to his claw. He pulled me close and hugged me, something he had never done before, placing his claw over my belly in amazement. Our affectionate gaze was broken by the Chief Elder’s next words.

“We will now review the visual record of the criminal in her assigned duties, as we bear witness to her hubris or contrition,” he said.

What? I had no idea I was being recorded. This was absolutely awful. My mind tried to replay the last year in my head and finally I gave up and watched the video, narrating each incident in my head as I watched.

●Video Clip 1: I step out of the transport and gaze at my small prison cabin. Holding a satchel, I enter, look around the room, and lie down on the bed, where I cry myself to sleep.

●Video Clip 2: I attempt to plan a garden but suddenly vomit. Going inside for water, I vomit again and then nap on the couch. I put my hand on my stomach and cry myself to sleep again.

●Video Clip 3: In the early stages of my pregnancy, the garden is starting to take shape. I prepare rows of dirt for planting seeds and admit I have absolutely no idea what I am doing. I lift my shirt and tell the babies how I wish their daddies were here to help us.

●Video Clip 4: Now visibly pregnant, I wander around half-dressed in the early morning, make tea, and speak to the babies in my reflection, reassuring them about their daddies, including the mean one. I talk to them about our future plans and dreams.

●Video Clip 5: Heavily pregnant, I struggle to chop firewood in the cold, screaming in frustration and cursing when I get a splinter. I manage to cut a few logs but struggle to carry them, falling and crying. I hold my belly and tell the babies how much I miss their daddies and how hard it is to do this alone.

● Video Clip 6: Very visibly pregnant, I chop logs more efficiently, pulling them inside instead of carrying them. I set up a fire, eat soup, and share stories with the babies about my childhood and family, including memories of my twin brother who was killed senselessly and the birth of my niece, Nina.

●Video Clip 7: Very visibly pregnant, I describe to the babies the first time I saw their daddies—Maerik, Orenik, and Auerik. I talk about how beautiful they are and express my longing to be with them. I assure the babies that their daddies love them, even the mean one.

●Video Clip 8: Extremely pregnant, with the weather warmer, I struggle in the garden and cry in frustration. I express anger towards the daddies for leaving me here, wishing I had let Maerik fight for us. I vent my frustrations to the babies, telling them how their daddies should have protected us.

●Video Clip 9: Extremely pregnant, I struggle to move, feeling tired, hungry, and irritable. I talk to the babies about how much I wish things were different and how I'm trying my best for them.

●Video Clip 10: Super pregnant and barely able to do anything, I deeply miss the daddies. I tell the babies how much I long to be reunited with their fathers and how I hope we can all be together soon.

●Video Clip 11: Massively pregnant, I feel excited with parole approaching at the prospect of seeing the daddies soon. I talk to the babies about the reunion and how wonderful it will be for us to be a family.

●Video Clip 12: I’m at full term in my pregnancy, preparing to leave for the parole hearing. I speak to the babies one last time in the cabin, reassuring them that we are finally going home to see their daddies.

“After viewing the videos and seeing the progress of the criminal in completing daily assigned tasks or lack thereof, I call for a vote by the Elders of the Directorate,” Chief Elder Illbrien said.

“Elders, I ask to be heard on the matters concerning my mate, Vivien Johnson,” Orenik said, surprising the assembly. While Maerik had spoken on my behalf and, of course, Auerik had spoken somewhat against me, Orenik had remained silent until now.

“We are to put the matter to a vote, brother Elder, and settle the matter now or until we meet on it again a year hence,” Chief Elder Illbrien responded.

“I will be heard before you decide the fate of my mate, my children, my family,” Orenik said strongly.

Voices rang out from the Elders sitting in the assembly hall, “Let him be heard. Let him speak. We wish to hear from Elder Orenik.”

“Silence!” Chief Elder Illbrien boomed. “You may speak to this matter, Elder Orenik.”

“I know each of you assembled here today. In our prime, we were warriors together. Many of you still carry the warrior’s heart, as does my bound brother Elder Maerik. I have accepted my role as Elder and sought to provide the best counsel in matters for the security and survival of our species, as does my bound brother Elder Auerik. Through a series of unforeseen circumstances, we are here today, standing in judgment of my mate, a human female and former diplomat of the people of Earth. She was accused and found guilty of infiltrating our space, our homeworld, in violation of our laws. I would submit to you that our laws are wrong.

We have tasked our warriors to be protectors of the weak, security for a vast galaxy, while seeking out mates that can carry our seed and bring forth new life. A small few of our warriors have accomplished this, yet when they bring their mates to our homeworld, we deny them entrance. Each of the Earth Mothers here today was only granted admittance to the healing waters of the birthing pools in the final stages of their pregnancy. This is wrong.

Orcqlaneasion mates should not be denied access to our homeworld. They should be welcomed and embraced for the treasures that they are. I have studied our past. I have sought answers to why we lost our females. It is an elusive mystery with no answers I have found. But perhaps today gives us a clue. Did we honor our females? Did we treat them with respect? Did we support them and provide safety? If we treated our females with the same disregard that we have treated the mates that we searched the galaxies near and far to find, then we are not worthy of them. I am not worthy.

I watched my mate, as did you moments ago, isolated and alone, struggling against the elements, yet loving and nurturing our young. Never did she speak in anger against the Orcqlaneasion mates that abandoned her to an unjust law. Instead, she spoke with love and tenderness and a desire to return to us and make a family. I am not worthy, we are not worthy, but today we can start to turn from our past toward a positive future. I put forth two measures today. First, the mating laws be ratified, with mates given full citizenship to our planet and full access. Second and of paramount import to me and my bound brothers, that our mate’s criminal conviction be vacated, for she is no criminal; she is a mother of Orcqlaneasus.”

I listened intently to my magnificent mate. I had heard him speak before, but never so passionately or so eloquently, and he was talking about me. How had I ever imagined he was staid and stoic when I carried evidence of his passion? I reached out to hug him, but I felt another sharp contraction far earlier than I expected. My labor was progressing, and my fate was still uncertain.

“Elder Orenik, despite your well-meaning words on behalf of your mate, the matter today is the parole of the criminal Vivien Johnson. I will call for a vote on that matter, and nothing more.”

Shouts rang out in the hall, accompanied by growls and the stomping of feet. It was loud and echoed across the walls.

“Order, order, order! I will have order! I have heard. I have heard. As we are here for a parole review vote, we will have a parole vote, or I will send the human back to the prison at Rhizor with all immediate speed.”

“No, you will not send my mate anywhere. I acted as an Elder before and allowed my mate to be separated from my brothers and me, but I am a warrior! I cast off these Elder robes and challenge any male to come between me and my mate.”

Orenik used his claws and ripped the robes from his body, leaving his wide green chest bare in only his leggings. Maerik strode next to him and did the same. Auerik surprised me by doing the same and standing with his brothers, but not before picking me up and holding me in his arms, something I would have never expected. My mates had relinquished a part of their identity to be with me, and I could do nothing but love them for it.

Suddenly, others leaped from their seats to the assembly floor, stripping off their Elder robes as they formed a wall around my mates and me. More and more Elders shed their robes and stood with my family, including the mates of my niece and the mates of the other human women in attendance.

I wished that I could have savored the moment, my majestic alien mates standing in defiance of their laws for me, but I felt liquid seep from my body and onto the floor.

“I think my water just broke,” I said to Auerik, the mate still holding me. Nina was behind me and also saw the fluid pooling on the floor.

“You have to get Aunt Vivi to the birthing pools right now. The babies are coming,” she said.

I wrapped my arms tighter around my mate, and I wished that it had been Maerik or Orenik carrying me, but my body was racked with pain as another contraction hit. They were coming faster now, and the pain was unbearable.

Auerik ran from the assembly hall and deposited me into the hover transport just outside. My mates Maerik and Orenik, along with my niece, entered, and we rushed to the waterfalls where Nina had given birth.

We arrived quickly, and Auerik, still holding me, carried me into the shallow waters. As soon as the waters covered my body, I felt immediate relief. Nina was right; there was no pain, only intense pressure. Nina, a medical doctor, confirmed that I was dilated enough to yield to my contractions and deliver my sons. Happily, I complied as I felt the next hard contraction and pushed with all my might.

My son must have been eager to arrive because he slipped right out into Nina’s waiting arms. I wanted to see him, I wanted to know which of my mates he belonged to. Orenik took the baby from Nina after she clipped the umbilical cord and brought him to me so that I could see him. He was perfect, his chubby body completely green like his father’s, with a tuft of white hair on his head just like both his father and me. I wanted to hold him, but I couldn’t yet. I felt the afterbirth expel from my body and then another hard contraction. I pushed hard again, and another small baby was caught by Nina.

She cut the cord and handed the baby to Maerik. He brought the baby to me, and he was beautiful in the same shade of jade green as his father, with a head full of curly white hair. Again, the afterbirth flowed from my body followed by the last contraction. I pushed hard, and just like before, the baby slipped out into Nina’s steady hands. She was cutting the cord when I heard her say, “Uh-oh.”

I wondered what that could mean when I felt another contraction causing me to push hard. Nina barely had time to give the baby to Auerik when the last baby slipped out, an identical twin to the one born moments before, also Auerik’s son. I pushed myself up more, and the afterbirth from the twins also flowed into the birthing pool. Everyone exited the pool, each holding a baby.

I laid back in the waters and let them cover my body. I felt completely at rest, with a sense of calm I had never felt before. As fog covered my body, I felt embraced not only by the waters but by nature itself. My body felt renewed, refreshed, the earlier pain a distant memory. I was healed from the trauma of childbirth, the isolation of the past year, the end of my career, the death of my brother, the fear of making the wrong decision. It was all gone, replaced with a feeling of acceptance and love. The twinkling lights and fog lifted, and I arose from the waters, renewed. I walked over to my family, my mates, my babies, my niece, and I knew at long last I was home.

Epilogue

Interplanetary Alert: Wanted for Crimes Against the Galactic Alliance and Orcqlaneasus Directorate

Subjects: Twin Pstoady Scientists Torvak and Tovak

Criminal Charges:

•Manufacture of a lethal substance with no known antidote.

•Administering poison to several individuals without their knowledge or consent.

•Performing unethical and non-consensual experiments on human subjects.

•Unauthorized appropriation and theft of a Galactic Alliance Space Shuttle.

•Posing a significant threat to public safety and order.

Description:

•Names: Torvak and Tovak

•Species: Pstoady

•Height: Approximately five feet

•Appearance: Brown-gray bumpy skin; bald, oval heads; toad-like appearance

•Last Seen Wearing: Long white lab coats

•Distinguishing Feature: Simultaneous speaking "chorus voice"

•Notable Features: Identical twins, distinguished by their advanced scientific knowledge and unethical practices.

Summary: Torvak and Tovak have caused widespread disruption across Quadrant 4 in their attempts to facilitate human mating with the endangered Orcqlaneasion warriors. Their actions have resulted in several grave offenses, including the creation of a lethal drug with no antidote, poisoning multiple women without their knowledge, and conducting non-consensual experiments on test subjects. Furthermore, they have unlawfully taken possession of a Galactic Alliance Space Shuttle, compounding their list of crimes.

Status: The Directorate of Orcqlaneasus has issued an interplanetary APB (All Points Bulletin) for the immediate apprehension and questioning of Torvak and Tovak. These aliens are considered highly dangerous and a severe threat to public security, particularly to human females.

Warning: Human females are advised to avoid all contact with Torvak and Tovak at all costs. These aliens have proven to be extremely dangerous and pose a direct threat to the safety and well-being of human females.

Reward: A substantial reward is being offered for information leading to the capture and arrest of Torvak and Tovak. Caution is advised when approaching these aliens.

Contact Information: Please report any sightings or information to the nearest Galactic Alliance or Orcqlaneasus Directorate outpost immediately.

End of Alert

About The Author

Solar Black

Solar Black is a passionate writer who masterfully blends her love for romance, fantasy, and science fiction in the "Space Orcs" series. Her stories feature diverse female leads, offering readers strong, relatable characters who navigate complex worlds. Known for her hot, spicy scenes that incite desire, Solar crafts compelling tales filled with adventure, science fiction, and enduring love. Fans of Orcs will be captivated by her unique portrayal of these massive, formidable warriors, highlighting their strength, vulnerability, and desperate quest for survival. She brings together the epic scale of fantasy with the intimate intensity of romance, making her series a must-read for fans of both genres.

www.solarblackboard.com

The Last of the Orcqlaneasions

In a distant galaxy, the "Last of the Orcqlaneasions" series chronicles the dwindling population of giant warriors. These formidable creatures were known as the toughest beings in all the galaxies, feared by their enemies and revered by their allies. Bound brothers of two, three, or four formed unbreakable bonds and searched for human mates to complete their unit, carry their young, and share their life force. For without females, their species was on the brink of extinction. With every passing day, their numbers decreased and their hope for survival dwindled. Desperate for a solution, they scoured the universe for rare human mates, hoping they would be the key to their salvation. Despite their fierce reputation, they were willing to risk it all for the fragile human who could potentially save their kind from disappearing forever.

Space Orcs and the Director

At the end of the Distant Wars, Med-Space Gamma-7 is set to close. Dr. Nina Bridges, the human director from Earth, faces an uncertain future alongside her security team, four fierce Orcqlaneasions—the last of their dwindling species. Kaelix Voss, Talix Krynn, Zephix Jorin, and Aerix Thorne, each a towering warrior with a powerful presence, find themselves drawn to Nina in a bond fueled by overwhelming passion and a desperate desire to ensure the survival of their kind. As they navigate the aftermath of the wars, will they overcome their differences and find lasting love, or will their turbulent pasts and ingrained distrust keep them apart? In this tale of desire and destiny, the stakes are higher than ever.

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Space Orcs and the Thief

Thalia Montgomery, a former space marine turned mercenary, is stranded and fighting for survival on the dangerous moon of KX-7. In the midst of chaos, she comes across two Pstoadys scientists in desperate need of help. Their solution? A daring heist from a damaged ship.

But this isn't just any ship; it belongs to three fierce Orcqlaneasion warriors, Gorak Malak, Thargok Vorr, and Varnok Zenn. These bound brothers are not only skilled fighters but also the last hope for their dying civilization. They seek a female mate to complete their unit and ensure the survival of their race.

Undeterred by rumors of their ferocity, Thalia successfully steals what she needs. However, when the warriors review their surveillance footage, they become captivated by the daring human woman. Could Thalia be the missing piece they've been searching for, or is she just a desperate criminal willing to risk everything?

In a world where courage and cunning intersect, Thalia must navigate a treacherous path where the line between predator and prey blurs. Will she become the savior of a dying race or the ultimate fugitive on this lawless moon?

Immerse yourself in the thrilling and passionate sci-fi adventure, "Space Orcs and the Thief," the second installment of "The Last of the Orcqlaneasions” series.

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Space Orcs and the Pilot

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, Yvonne Adams, a striking ebony-skinned woman, stands as a testament to survival and resilience. Once a pioneering spirit on the fledgling planet of Nu-Terra, Yvonne's life was irrevocably shattered by a brutal alien attack that claimed her young family, leaving her the sole survivor.

With nothing left on Earth to anchor her, Yvonne carves out a living as a salvage ship operator, seeking solace in the solitude of space. Yet, peace remains elusive, haunted by the memory of the four Orcqlaneasion warriors who failed to protect her family and the colony. Their abandonment during the planet's darkest hour has festered into a wound of bitterness and blame.

Six years have passed, and destiny brings Yvonne face-to-face with the very warriors she holds responsible. Can she find it within herself to forgive these mighty protectors for their failure? Can they come to terms with their own guilt and seek redemption?

"Space Orcs and the Pilot" is a gripping tale of heartache, resilience, strength, and smoldering passion. Journey with Yvonne as she confronts her past, battles inner demons, and discovers that sometimes, the path to healing lies in the unlikeliest of alliances. As tensions rise and passions ignite, Yvonne and the Orcqlaneasion warriors must navigate a treacherous path toward forgiveness, understanding, and unexpected love.

Immerse yourself in the captivating saga of resilience and redemption with "Space Orcs and the Pilot," the thrilling third installment in "The Last of the Orcqlaneasions" series.
Trigger Warning: This science fiction work, set in another galaxy, contains references to the death of a child, late-term miscarriage, and alien abduction. Reader discretion is advised. Ultimately, it is a story about a woman's resilience and her journey to rebuild her life.

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Space Orcs and the Diplomat

Vivien Johnson: A Brilliant Diplomat's Downfall
Ambassador Vivien Johnson, a brilliant and accomplished African American woman, once celebrated as Earth's foremost representative to the Galactic Alliance, now bears the burden of the devastating massacre on Nu Terra. Forced into retirement at 55, she sought refuge in seclusion, grappling with the abrupt end of her illustrious career. After a year of silence, a new urgency pulls her from hiding: her beloved niece, Dr. Nina Bridges, has vanished. The last information Vivien received mentioned Nina being united with her four Orcqlaneasion mates and expecting a child, but since then, there has been no word.

Determined to uncover the truth, Vivien embarks on a daring quest, infiltrating the Orcqlaneasus Directorate's space and planet. Along the way, she faces numerous obstacles, including the wary Directorate Elders. In her relentless search for Nina, Vivien must navigate treacherous political landscapes, face her own past, and fight for the love and family she refuses to lose.

The Directorate: Warriors Past Their Prime
The Directorate, once formidable warriors, now serve as Elders, providing counsel on all matters of security and survival for their species. These giants, renowned as the toughest beings in all the galaxies, have traded their weapons for wisdom, guiding their people through an era of decline. When Vivien Johnson, an alien ambassador, invades their space, the Elders are immediately on high alert. Her unauthorized presence poses a significant threat, and they must determine her true intentions. Does she seek to infiltrate their homeworld for some dark purpose, or are her motives sincere and urgent? Will her actions restore lost hope or destroy centuries of customs and traditions that have kept their society intact?

As Vivien's quest intensifies, the Directorate's Elders must decide whether to ally with her or stand as formidable obstacles. Will they become her greatest allies or her ultimate downfall? The Elders must balance their instinct to protect their own with the possibility of a brighter future for their people.

Immerse yourself in this passionate sci-fi adventure of love past its prime and undaunted courage with "Space Orcs and the Diplomat," the fourth installment of "The Last of the Orcqlaneasions” series.

www.solarblackboard.com