Dark Empire Book One: Shadows Approach Chapter Two Scene Five

 

Piras is put in his proper place in today's excerpt. The ebook releases Friday!

"Tracy St. John's writing style is nothing short of exceptional. The way she effortlessly blends action, suspense, and romance is a testament to her talent as a storyteller." -Amazon review

* * * *

“Specialist Nath, report to your quarters.”

Hope smirked at Kila’s gruff tone on her com. She was aware her shift, as well as his, had ended nearly an hour ago, but she’d been busy assembling a nanospy program sure to knock her clanmates’ socks off. She was certain it would come in useful on Earth II.

Was she okay when it came to spying on her own people on the Kalquorian Empire’s behalf? Given her history of living in the presence of religious zealots who’d stopped at nothing to hold power, hell yes. She had no problem where keeping tabs on potential dictators was concerned.

“On my way, Captain.” She sat back in her hover chair in her tiny cubicle in Engineering and stretched. Her spine crackled satisfyingly.

She rose and headed for the corridor, waving to the engineering crew as she passed them. Lokmi had already left, excited to celebrate their leaving Bi’is for the last time. Hope was thrilled too, but her program was close to completion.

Another hour, and I bet I would have been done. She sighed wistfully as she stepped into the elevator-like conveyance waiting to bring her mere steps from her clan’s quarters. Oh well, tomorrow was soon enough to finish her latest project, test it, and check it off her list.

Life was good.

Hope entered her clan’s quarters moments later. Three bronze faces swung in her direction, and a thrill shot through her. Elegant Piras, feral Kila, and stunning Lokmi, so different in looks and personalities, but equally exciting. Her heart throbbed overflowing love for the trio who’d saved her father from execution, her sister from being the child bride of a monster, and herself from an uncertain future years before.

“Hi honeys, I’m home.” She beamed at them.

“You took long enough,” Kila groused, but as usual, a smile played at the corner of his lips. “It’s no fun coming in second to a bunch of miniature robots.”

“You never come in second. You just get momentarily delayed. I seem to remember you being late on a few occasions after visiting Engineering too.”

“And me being late because I had to undo what he’d done.” Lokmi joined in, wearing a pretended scowl at Kila. Or maybe it wasn’t pretended. Kila was a born tinkerer, son of a race shuttle team, unable to resist the urge to make his ship faster. Engineering was Lokmi’s domain, however, and the pair locked horns over Kila’s clandestine modifications when they were discovered.

“Okay, okay, we’re all a bunch of workaholics who love what we do. Let’s put duty aside for a few hours and toast to our change of address.” In a dramatic flourish, Piras produced the biggest bottle of leshella Hope had ever seen. She clapped in approval.

“Party time!”

One of the men had picked up dinner from the mess hall and brought it to their cramped quarters. They picnicked on their vast sleeping mat, which took up much of the floor space.

“Pilchok always tastes so decadent. I feel I’m eating dessert ahead of the meal,” Hope said, licking the flaky pastry-like meat off her lips. She swallowed a healthy mouthful of leshella to wash it down. The Plasian wine went down easily, and she was already feeling quite mellow.

Lokmi popped another morsel on her tongue. “I’m a firm believer in decadence. In fact, I request extra helpings. Less work, more play.”

“For you, work is play,” Kila chuckled. “If you don’t have an engine to fuss over, you hate life.”

“I’m sure that’s why you fuck with my ship on an ongoing basis, out of concern for my joy.”

“Your ship?” Kila’s ever-present grin took on its dangerous cast, his teeth gleaming through his dark beard.

“Okay, your ship. But they’re my engines.”

“If they’re part of my ship, then it makes them—”

As they commenced their usual debate, which ignited at least once a week, Piras offered Hope a bite of wedi-sauced niria. “At least no one fights over your nanobots.”

“Good. I’d hate to put any of you in a medi-bed.”

He chuckled, and Hope looked at him in undisguised adoration. The “Terror of the Fleet,” as Piras had been called before his spy activity had made him a pariah among Kalquorians, wasn’t known outside of his clan for smiles. Having given up his home, friends, and an open relationship with his family to save the Kalquorian Empire from the treasonous Dramok Maf, he’d had damned little to be happy about. Hope had made it her mission to give him as much pleasure in life as was in her power.

Fortunately, their pleasures meshed quite satisfactorily.

When he offered her another bite…Kalquorian men traditionally fed their Matara clanmates…Hope brushed his arm aside. She leaned forward to claim a kiss. Piras yielded to her command, his lips parting to invite a deeper embrace. She accepted, kissing him until he was left gasping. She was gratified to spy how his crotch bulged in interest. The spicy scent of his arousal mixed enticingly with the food.

She tapped his wrist, as he still held the fork aloft. He swallowed hard and fed her, hunger for something besides pilchok and niria in his gaze. She patted his thigh and held out her glass to Lokmi, who smirked as he refilled it.

She didn’t dare tease him as she did Piras. He and Kila weren’t to be toyed with, unless she was in the mood to be taken under particular circumstances.

She was, but only after dinner and leshella had been consumed. And maybe Piras, as well.

Life was great.

“Any word on what we’ll find when we reach Earth’s Alpha Station?”

Kila’s question snapped Piras into his in-charge persona. “Rear Admiral Hobato and Admiral Tranis are to meet us there. They’ll be speaking to the station’s commander and the head of Earth’s on-planet security prior to our arrival, to make sure they’re willing to work with me as commanding officer of Earth Space Security.”

“Admiral Tranis, huh?” Kila’s dangerous grin had returned. “His Nobek won’t be there, will he?”

Piras regarded him levelly. “He isn’t part of Fleet Command, so I see no reason why he would be.”

Hope wondered why Kila was so jealous of Piras’ previous relationship with Admiral Tranis’ Nobek. Piras never brought him up, but anytime Admiral Tranis’ name was spoken, Kila immediately mentioned Nobek Lidon.

She’d asked for clarification on their past. Kila wouldn’t answer her questions. He acted as if he didn’t hear her ask them. Piras merely shrugged and said it was ancient history. Lokmi had no idea what had happened except Piras and Lidon had been in a long-term relationship, supposedly once destined for a clanship. Dramok Tranis had shown up, and Lidon had clanned with him instead.

Lokmi opined Kila was territorial when it came to Piras, and somehow saw the other Nobek as a continuing rival.

It was a mystery, and Kila and Piras were determined to keep it so. Hope wondered if she’d get the opportunity to ask Tranis for the story. She wondered if he’d answer her, a stranger and the Matara to his former rival for Nobek Lidon.

Probably not.

Piras’ expression was closed off as he offered Hope a forkful of food. Kila appeared sullen, his smirk more of a snarl. The clan’s celebratory dinner was quickly fading into a pout party. Hope and Lokmi exchanged a glance. His eyes rolled.

“You know what we need?” she suggested brightly. “Or at least, what I need? A naked man. Piras, make me happy.” She pushed his nearly empty plate away.

He blinked at her. A flush crept up from his collar.

“You heard her.” Kila’s voice was a growl. “Strip or get strapped.”

There was a hesitation as Piras weighed whether he wanted punishment or not, then he pulled the resealable seam of his one-piece uniform apart. Hope ogled him as his defined chest came in view, then his shoulders and biceps. He shrugged the top of his formsuit free.

Piras got off the mat to pull the uniform the rest of the way off. Then he stood before them, his twin cocks gleaming wetness and thick from arousal. His head was bowed, but Hope saw the gleam of his purple eyes sneaking a peek at her through the fall of his long, black hair.

She pointed at the surface of bed beside her, aware Kila was chugging the last of the leshella directly from the bottle and Lokmi was clearing the remains of their dinner away. “Kneel. Hands behind your back.”

The most demanding admiral of the fleet, the brute who’d cowed the nastiest Nobeks who’d dared to refute him, was nowhere in evidence. He was a Dramok, a breed that backed down in no way to no one…but Piras was a rarity of his kind when it came to sex. He was as submissive in bed as he was insurmountable everywhere else.

Though he stood around six-and-a-half-feet tall, towering over Hope, he was hers to dominate. She enjoyed doing so as much as she enjoyed surrendering to their clanmates, who were as domineering as Piras was not.

Piras climbed onto the bed again, kneeling next to Hope, his arms behind him. She grasped his secondary and pumped it, looking away as if he barely rated her attention. “So, about my nanobots…”

She spent the next few minutes discussing her new program with Kila and Lokmi, masturbating Piras’ cocks in turn with seeming casual negligence. However, she was tuned to his reactions, subtle and otherwise. He was hot on her palm, his shafts jerking when she squeezed the base of either, where he liked it best. He trembled as the seconds ticked by, growing excited by both his helplessness to evoke his will and her pretended indifference to his increasing arousal. Being treated as a mere plaything was high on Piras’ list of enthralling carnal activities.

After her discussion with Kila and Lokmi, Hope flicked a glance at him. He kept his head down. His gaze through sleek black strands was pleading, as if he didn’t know the night’s trials were only beginning.

 * * * * 

A new planet. A new enemy. Is the end coming for the Kalquorian Empire?

In the aftermath of the Kalquorian civil war and the defeat of the Bi’is invasion fleet, the empire has enjoyed peace. A new Earth has been born. A Kalquorian leads the Galactic Council of Planets. An era of harmony seems assured.

However, new dangers arrive on the horizon. Governor Stacy Nichols finds herself at odds with powerful opponents who want Earth II to return to the old ways that led to the demise of their original planet. They’ll do anything to stop her, especially when they discover her newfound romance with Clan Rihep of Kalquor.

After five years and a terrifying encounter with an unknown entity, Clan Piras is finally leaving their spy duties in Bi’is space. Now they must face enemies closer to home: the families of those they sacrificed while on a secret mission during the Kalquorian civil war.

A new threat to the existence of Kalquor and the entire Galactic Council of Planets arrives in the midst of these challenges, a dark menace unlike anything faced before. One young, inexperienced spyship ensign is all that stands between the galaxy and utter destruction. Can he warn the empire in time…or is it already too late?

Dark Empire 1: Shadows Approach releases Friday! Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

Dark Empire Book One: Shadows Approach Chapter Two Scene Four

 

The release of Shadows Approach is nearly upon us. Today's excerpt is the changing of the guard. Clan Piras is finally leaving Bi'is, and Kila fears his troubles are only beginning:

Kila’s spyship

“S-S-nine-two-eight reporting in.”

Captain Kila nodded to Veko to open the com link. “S-S-one-zero-three-eight responding. Welcome to Bi’is.”

He gazed at the other phased spyship, his emotions a mixture of gratification and remorse. Keeping tabs on the Bi’isils was often a boring job, but he was convinced there was a secret lab operating on the planet, which had escaped the Galactic Council inspectors’ notice. It damned near physically hurt to let another ship’s crew find it instead of his.

Leaving it behind was his chance to begin the rehabilitation of his clan’s reputation. They weren’t returning to empire space, but they’d be in contact with plenty of Kalquorians as they took up secret guard duty of Earth II.

During the Kalquorian civil war, Kila and Admiral Piras had been tasked to accomplish the impossible: get close to the leader of the traitors against the empire, Dramok Maf. Achieving the impossible had meant doing the unthinkable. They’d had to hand over a key space station to Maf, which had meant sacrificing hundreds of loyal Kalquorian soldiers’ lives.

The war had ended five years prior, and the reason for their supposedly treasonous actions had been revealed to the public at large. Nonetheless, many of the dead had grieving families unwilling to forgive them. There were those who’d kill Piras and Kila if given the opportunity. Kila couldn’t blame them. The majority of the dead had been Nobeks, who’d have considered it an honor to perish so the empire would survive. Their families weren’t so forgiving.

Had it been his clanmate, brother, son, or father given to the cause, Kila would want vengeance too. He admitted he had little forgiveness in his soul when it came to those who’d harm his clan and family.

He wanted his clan to lead a normal life, however. Identity changes were a possibility, but not while they served the Kalquorian fleet. None of them, including Hope, who’d come along at the end of the war and served in a contractor capacity so she could remain with her clan, could imagine doing anything else.

Piras and Kila were the two most hated men in the empire, Piras in particular. Lokmi had been part of the plan too, so he was also in danger if discovered.

There had been clandestine visits to family on Kalquor in the intervening years. Piras had managed to be at his mother’s side when she passed away, heartbroken her son was so hated and unable to remain close. It had been a particularly demoralizing trip, but all visits had been difficult despite the joy of brief family reunions. Knowing discovery would possibly end in bloodshed, they’d had to be careful.

The crew of the ship off their bow had no idea whom they were relieving of Bi’is surveillance. All communication was audio only, and vocal masking was used to render Kila’s voice unrecognizable.

“We’re ready for the changing of the guard.” The other captain had been told to avoid revealing his own identity for security’s sake and to use masking as well…a ruse to guard Kila from having to identify himself. He sounded jovial. Kila wondered who he was and if they’d been friends before the war.

“You have the information on the shadow entities we observed?”

“Yes, Captain, and the likely location of the secret lab you believe is present on the planet. We’ll search for evidence of both.” He sounded gleeful at the opportunity. He must have had some experience in how monotonous it was to watch over an enemy. “Is the Galactic Council inspection contingent still enroute for their routine check?”

“Affirmative, Captain. I’ll send you our observations from the last week, then we’ll be off if there’s nothing else you require.”

“I believe we’re set to take over. Enjoy your return to civilization.”

“Thank you. The detail is yours.”

“Accepted.”

The single word ended Kila’s five-year surveillance of Bi’is, broken only by the occasional shore leave. Their long exile was over.

“Helm, fly us to Earth. Let’s get a look at our new home.”

 * * * * 

A new planet. A new enemy. Is the end coming for the Kalquorian Empire?

In the aftermath of the Kalquorian civil war and the defeat of the Bi’is invasion fleet, the empire has enjoyed peace. A new Earth has been born. A Kalquorian leads the Galactic Council of Planets. An era of harmony seems assured.

However, new dangers arrive on the horizon. Governor Stacy Nichols finds herself at odds with powerful opponents who want Earth II to return to the old ways that led to the demise of their original planet. They’ll do anything to stop her, especially when they discover her newfound romance with Clan Rihep of Kalquor.

After five years and a terrifying encounter with an unknown entity, Clan Piras is finally leaving their spy duties in Bi’is space. Now they must face enemies closer to home: the families of those they sacrificed while on a secret mission during the Kalquorian civil war.

A new threat to the existence of Kalquor and the entire Galactic Council of Planets arrives in the midst of these challenges, a dark menace unlike anything faced before. One young, inexperienced spyship ensign is all that stands between the galaxy and utter destruction. Can he warn the empire in time…or is it already too late?

Dark Empire 1: Shadows Approach releases August 4! Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

 

Dark Empire Book One: Shadows Approach Chapter Two Scene Three

 

Counting down to next Friday! It's time to meet Nobek Kuran's clanmates, Dramok Rihep and Imdiko Etnil. Anyone for pizza?

Alpha Space Station, Clan Rihep’s quarters

Kuran entered his quarters aboard the “tin can,” as Stacy called the space station orbiting Earth II. He inhaled deeply, appreciating the scent of dinner from the tiny greeting room, which boasted a total of three seating cushions, a table, and what his Imdiko referred to as “a bar fit for drinking alone.”

It hardly mattered. Theirs was a gregarious clan, more apt to meet friends for drinks than to entertain.

Kuran entered the slightly larger dining room, where Etnil was just putting a pizza on the table. “Well, aren’t you your typical self?” the Imdiko groused. He didn’t lift his gaze to Kuran. “The shower head is leaking. No Kuran to fix it. I com to ask a clanmate, who happens to pass the grocery supply department on his way home, to pick up some flour. Does Kuran answer? No. But dinner’s ready, and who bolts through the dining room door, drooling like a starved snarku? Kuran, of course.”

The Nobek chuckled as he pulled his com from its belt pouch and checked for messages. Sure enough, Etnil had called. “I’m sorry, my Imdiko. I forgot I had it on silent for the governor’s welcome. It looks as if you pulled off dinner without my assistance. Grul pizza?”

His clanmate’s handsome, slender face, framed by sleek black hair that fell to his mid-back, finally rose to look up at him. A slight smirk hovered over his lips. “I added hot sauce and blue cheese. No one will dare kiss you for the rest of your life after you eat this. Or follow you to the toilet.” He made an explosive sound, his cheeks puffing and deflating.

“It has to be better than the bywes and pickled beet pizza he inflicted on us last week.” Rihep came in carrying a bottle of bohut and glasses. Though he was nearly ten years Etnil’s senior, he looked younger. Etnil claimed it was because Rihep, though a Dramok, had many Imdiko traits, meditated like a priest, and gave very few fucks about anything.

Etnil grabbed the bottle from him, opened it, and tried to drink straight from it. Kuran snatched it from him, which earned him a pout. The Imdiko recovered almost immediately to advise them, “You were my test subjects for a post-traumatic stress disorder study I’m doing. Have you suffered nightmares since the beet pizza? Urges to end your lives? Uncontrollable desires to pickle other Earth-based vegetables or certain gorgeous Imdiko clanmates?”

“Get the plates, Etnil.” Rihep grinned, but there was no doubt he expected to be obeyed. He offered the glasses one at a time for Kuran to fill. “How was the party, my Nobek?”

“Boring. Stuffy. I think Stacy made an excellent impression.”

“Oh, it’s just Stacy now, instead of Governor Stacy, who started as Governor Nichols.” Etnil was back, bearing plates and utensils. “Was the excellent impression just on a certain adoring Nobek, or did anyone else find her agreeable?”

“One tap,” Kuran said to Rihep, brandishing the half-empty bottle in Etnil’s direction.

“Don’t waste good bohut when your fist will do.”

Etnil laughed at the idea Kuran would punch him and sliced the pizza. They sat down to sample his latest effort.

The Imdiko was forever trying food combinations on top of pizza dough after having discovered the popular Earther food. He was also enamored with subs and sandwiches, and often stuffed a number of ingredients between cuts of bread. He’d declared the height of civilization was the development of portable food.

Kuran had to admit grul pizza was among Etnil’s successes. The fiery hot chunks melded deliciously with blue cheese, and the addition of a smoky hot sauce was a painfully delightful enjoyment.

After a couple of slices and refilling his glass, Rihep told Etnil to keep his mouth shut and invited Kuran to tell them about the gathering.

“The Imperial Clan was there, and so was the GC’s new secretary-general. You would have enjoyed speaking to Dramok Mereta. He has a supremely calm presence.”

“I’ve read his take on the Temple of Life’s philosophy. I find it fascinating he arrived where he did after years as a priest.” Rihep himself had briefly studied for the Temple of Life’s priesthood before opting for the route of a wholesale supplier to various businesses. When Kuran had been tapped to head on-planet security for the new world, Rihep had been a shoe-in to take charge of Earth’s supply needs.

“I appreciate the fact he doesn’t feel the need to convert anyone. He kept his conversation with Governor Nichols brief and on the business of the planet.” Kuran didn’t miss Etnil’s smirk when he used Stacy’s title and last name.

“And the Imperial Clan?”

“They’re quite supportive, and she appreciates it, unlike her lieutenant governor. If Bryant greeted a single Kalquorian at the gathering, I didn’t see it.” Kuran dared to tell Etnil, “The empress asked the governor not to plant bombs under the cities. I thought the emperors would fall through the floor in horror.”

Etnil laughed, covering his mouth to avoid spraying the table with food. “What did Stacy say?”

“She voiced appreciation for the joke and empathetic diplomacy for the emperors’ reactions. I can’t wait for you two to meet her.” He paused. “Let me rephrase. I can’t wait for Rihep to meet her. I might chain you to the wall, Etnil.”

“Will you be using the fluffy cuffs, the leather cuffs, or the scary metal ones?” The irrepressible Imdiko made kissing noises.

“The final push to be ready for the colonists is coming. The governor is bound to be working nonstop to prepare for their arrival,” Rihep pointed out.

“Which is why she plans to invite the supervisor of supply and acquisitions down to the planet soon. Though I advised against it, she wishes to meet our station’s lead psychologist as well.”

Etnil beamed. “That’s me! Oh boy, that’s me!”

“Mother of All, help her,” Rihep chuckled.

 * * * * 

A new planet. A new enemy. Is the end coming for the Kalquorian Empire?

In the aftermath of the Kalquorian civil war and the defeat of the Bi’is invasion fleet, the empire has enjoyed peace. A new Earth has been born. A Kalquorian leads the Galactic Council of Planets. An era of harmony seems assured.

However, new dangers arrive on the horizon. Governor Stacy Nichols finds herself at odds with powerful opponents who want Earth II to return to the old ways that led to the demise of their original planet. They’ll do anything to stop her, especially when they discover her newfound romance with Clan Rihep of Kalquor.

After five years and a terrifying encounter with an unknown entity, Clan Piras is finally leaving their spy duties in Bi’is space. Now they must face enemies closer to home: the families of those they sacrificed while on a secret mission during the Kalquorian civil war.

A new threat to the existence of Kalquor and the entire Galactic Council of Planets arrives in the midst of these challenges, a dark menace unlike anything faced before. One young, inexperienced spyship ensign is all that stands between the galaxy and utter destruction. Can he warn the empire in time…or is it already too late?

Dark Empire 1: Shadows Approach releases August 4! Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.