CALLEY (RIBUS 7 Book 3) Read online

  She smiled. Ten long Earth years since her abduction. Ten years since she was last a meek woman of no significance. And now she stood alongside a Galactic Emperor, a concept still not fully comprehensible to her. Chelan stifled a giggle. It all seemed so absurd. Even now she felt as though she was living in a dream, or at times a nightmare, sure at any moment she would wake up in her own bed at home on her little blue planet.

  Chelan sighed, knowing that was not to be. This was reality, no matter how unreal the scenario. But her thoughts were interrupted as the main doors parted. She spun around in the giant command chair to greet the shrouded figure that approached her.

  “Good morning, my Lady,” came Fremma’s guarded salutation.

  “Hi. You got up early this morning.”

  Fremma smiled and sat beside her. “More last-minute preparations, I am afraid.” He leaned forward and gently kissed her lips. His voice became soft and low. “I am sorry I could not have been with you throughout the entire night on our last evening together.”

  Chelan could feel the breath leave her lungs. “I am going to miss you so much, my gentle warrior.”

  Fremma looked down, the intensity of his own emotions catching him off guard. Though he had tried for weeks to prepare for this moment, his control over his composure was waning quickly. “I will miss you too, Chelan. But our love will overcome all barriers erected by time and distance. And as I said, you will see. With all your duties, the time will go quickly.”

  Chelan smiled weakly and reached for his chin, lifting his face so that she could read his beautiful azure eyes. “You lie, my sweet Fremma,” she whispered, “as well as you could possibly lie. Our time apart will be an eternity and you know it. It has only been a few short days since Korba’s departure and already I feel as though I have been robbed of him for a lifetime. My heart will feel your loss no less acutely, and time will creep by painfully slowly, each second cheating us of precious moments together.”

  Fremma stood suddenly, grabbing her from her chair and clutching her to his chest. His eyes watered and he clenched his jaw. “I just hope that I can endure this, my Lady.”

  Chelan squeezed him as hard as she could, wishing that her body would meld to his in an inseparable bond. “I will be watching you daily, my Lord. You stay well and come home to me.”

  Fremma stroked her silky hair and slender back. “You know I will, Chelan.”

  They remained together for a long time, until finally Fremma drew her back. “I have to get you down to the Palace. I am needed on the Bridge during our departure.”

  Chelan took several shaky breaths and squared her shoulders. “I know. And I suppose I should tend to my Palace like a good little Empress. After all, it will take me nearly a year just to explore all its confines.”

  Fremma felt a telltale thud in his chest. “Please do not feel that it is your prison, Chelan. It is your home now. And it can give so much back to you. Its design and the people who serve it are all of Korba’s choosing. It and they are there for you and your happiness.”

  Chelan sighed. “I know, dear Fremma, I know.”

  Fremma finally managed an inadequate smile. “You will be fine. You have to be, or there is no point in me returning.”

  Chelan’s eyes twinkled briefly, but then her heart faltered as her precious Warlord began to back away from her.

  “I must leave, my Lady,” he whispered sadly. “I must go to the Bridge.”

  Chelan nodded, but she could not speak.

  “My personal fighter awaits you,” he informed her quietly.

  “I know,” she whispered. “I just need a few more minutes here alone.”

  Fremma nodded. “My Lady,” he acknowledged, but as he turned to leave, his attention was caught by a frantic voice from the Command Center intercom.

  “My Lord! An urgent message from the Flight Commander. Commander Zane has just made a request to dock at the private hangar.”

  Fremma and Chelan’s eyes met. Fremma’s brow furrowed. “Permission granted.”

  Chelan wrung her hands together. “What is happening?”

  “I have no idea, but I guess we will find out soon enough.”

  Both turned toward the main doors just as they parted and Zane burst through. The Warlord wrenched off his flight gear and then nodded to Chelan and Fremma. “I am sorry for the intrusion. I was in the main Command Center in the Palace when a message came through for me from Korba. He assumed Chelan was on the planet. I am here to collect my Lady.”

  Chelan’s breath caught. “Collect me for what?”

  Zane glanced at Fremma. “Commander, it seems that Korba has located an unexpected colony of ROPE subversives on a nearby planet, Lethos II. He is worried about Chelan’s presence on Iceanea. He did not go into detail about the specific threat, but for safety’s sake, he wants me to take her to Keros until the situation is resolved.”

  Chelan looked up at Fremma in disbelief. “I don’t understand. Where in the galaxy would I be safer than on Iceanea itself?”

  Fremma glanced at her. “Many of our outlying planets are just as secure and as heavily guarded as Iceanea. But we are one step behind our enemy if they are within striking distance of your known location. I suspect Korba is being cautious, as I doubt that the true extent of this colony and the authenticity of the threat have been fully ascertained. But until they are, it is wise to move you surreptitiously.”

  Zane nodded in agreement. “I am due to ship out with RIBUS 5 shortly, and Keros is on the way to my mission, hence the selection. Only a very few of the elite on Iceanea will be made privy to your relocation. Keros, at present, is secured by two other RIBUSes. It is the perfect location until all settles.”

  Chelan crumpled into the center chair, shock slowing settling over her. Then she looked up at the two men. “Korba—is he in trouble?”

  Zane gave her a small smile. “No, my Lady. There was no indication of anything he could not handle. The situation was just a little unexpected.”

  Fremma looked down at her. “If everything is going to remain completely undercover, I have to get to the Bridge to tend to this ship’s final departure arrangements and keep everything on schedule. I shall have to leave you in Zane’s capable hands, my Lady.”

  “Yes, of course,” she whispered.

  Fremma turned to Zane. “Take good care of our precious cargo, my good man.”

  “You know I will,” Zane replied as the two men locked arms.

  Fremma glanced one last time at the stunned woman and then left the Command Center.

  Zane sat down across from her. “I apologize for the sudden change in plans, not to mention your impromptu uprooting. But all will be well, my Lady. Your relocation is but a very temporary situation. As soon as the threat is eliminated, you will be returned to the Palace, safe and sound.”

  Chelan looked at the Commander. “I am not worried about myself, Zane. I know this has been carefully thought out. It is his Lordship I fear for.”

  Zane leaned forward. “All is well, I assure you. He is the best, he has a formidable ship and crew, and he is no fool. If he suspected he needed help, he would ask. He will do everything in his power to make sure he returns to you.”

  Chelan finally managed a tiny smile. “I know you speak the truth.” She took a deep breath and tried to center herself. “When does RIBUS 5 depart?”

  “Soon, my Lady: only a few hours after Fremma leaves orbit.”

  Chelan nodded. “May I take a few moments here alone before I accompany you?”

  Zane stood. “Of course, my Lady. I will wait in the private hangar for you.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered, and she watched as Zane left.

  Chelan let her head drop back as she stared up at the high ceiling, her thoughts tumbling. Time ticked by, and then her head shot up, her eyes wide. She stood and frantically began to pace. Then, holding her breath, she hit a switch on the main control panel.

  “Yes, Sire,” came the acknowledgment.

  “Yanis
?” asked Chelan.

  “Yes, my Lady,” came the surprised reply.

  “Yanis, tell Zane to wait a moment more.”

  “Yes, my Lady, but RIBUS 7 leaves momentarily. I cannot—”

  “I know,” she said. “I will be quick.” Chelan licked her dry lips, her excitement consuming her almost as much as her fear. She hit the next switch.

  “Bridge.”

  “Tarn, send Fremma to the main Command Center immediately.”

  There was silence, but Chelan did not wait for the confused Commander’s reply. She flipped the switch off.

  She began to pace again, her knuckles white from her hands clenching. In no time the main doors opened and Fremma burst in. “What’s wrong?” he shouted with concern. Chelan ran to him, her smile and her enthusiasm confounding him further.

  “Fremma, I think there is an alternative to Keros.”

  Fremma’s mouth opened but Chelan interrupted. “What would even be safer than a well-fortified outpost?”

  Fremma squinted at her. “What are you suggesting?” he asked warily.

  “Keros is well protected, but if my absence is detected on Iceanea by the enemy, where will they look?”

  Fremma nodded. “Your point is well taken, but we have many outposts. It would take ages for them to locate you. It is that extra time that will afford Korba the opportunity he needs to eradicate the threat.”

  “What if it is not enough time?”

  “Then the enemy will be met by some formidable resistance.”

  Chelan nodded. “No doubt. But what if I was relocated far away, somewhere totally undefended, somewhere completely unexpected?”

  Fremma became very still.

  Chelan stepped up to him. “Take me with you.”

  “I can’t, my—”

  “No! Listen. Hear me out.”

  Fremma shook his head once. “I dare not take you anywhere…”

  “I could order you to take me,” she informed him.

  Fremma became stock-still. “Oh, my Lady. I don’t know what you are thinking, but Korba would—”

  “No, no, just listen. The Balatesian system, it is on the periphery of the Empire, right?”

  Fremma nodded his wide-eyed acknowledgment.

  “How long to get there?”

  “With the new drive system, just shy of six Earth months.”

  Chelan grabbed his arms hard, her excitement barely confinable. “And how long to take care of the problems there?”

  Fremma hesitated. “Six to eight Earth months at the most. There are more planets—”

  Chelan interrupted him. “And then home, right?”

  “Probably, but I cannot risk taking you into battle, my Lady. This is a completely different problem from the one Korba dealt with so long ago. It is almost as volatile as his present mission. That is why RIBUS 7 is being dispatched. And besides, he would kill me for taking you. He would—”

  Chelan pressed her finger to his lips. “No, wait. You will not be taking me to the Balatesian system, Fremma.”

  Fremma was temporarily transfixed. “Where would I be taking you?”

  Chelan released him and was practically airborne with excitement. “To Earth,” she squeaked.

  Fremma nearly staggered backward. “Earth,” he repeated in astonishment.

  “Yes, Earth. What enemy of the Empire would think to look for me there? In addition, you would be fulfilling your mission while adhering to Korba’s directive that I not be put at any risk. By your dropping me off on Earth, I avoid any exposure to battle. And it will serve as my temporary sanctuary. Let the powers that be think I have gone with Zane to Keros or wherever. You take me to Earth. And when you are finished with the Balatesian system, you pick me up.”

  “But, Chelan,” Fremma protested, “Korba would still—”

  “No, he wouldn’t! What’s he going to do, Fremma, lop your head off?”

  “Yes! Or something similar.”

  “No! You are one of his best, and you would not exactly be violating any orders or directives from him. And you would be serving my wishes concurrently.”

  “I would be violating all his orders, and so would Zane!”

  “No, he wants me relocated.”

  “He wants you relocated to Keros.”

  “And you think my plan is without merit?”

  “But you don’t understand—” Fremma suddenly became silent, the ridiculous suggestion instantly transforming into a possibility. Exhilaration ensued, and Fremma felt a rush of adrenalin shoot through him. “There are some flaws surrounding your rather simplistic suggestion, my Lady, and much has to be planned. But what you put forth just may be viable.”

  Chelan sprang at him, throwing her arms about his neck. “Oh, I love you, Fremma! All will be okay. You will see. No one would ever suspect that I am on RIBUS 7. And to the Palace Command, I am off to Keros. Once I am on Earth, no one would be the wiser. It is perfect. I will be safe there. After all, how can anyone scan for one little Earth woman among billions?”

  Fremma held her tight while he tried to tame his raging thoughts. Dropping her off on Calley was the least of a long list of logistical problems. And though he relished the thought of taking her along, getting her beyond Korba’s grip was going to be a nearly insurmountable hurdle. If the Emperor sought immediate retribution for Chelan’s scenic tour to the sanctuary of her choice, Korba could hop a long-range high-speed fighter and catch RIBUS 7 in no time. From that point on, both his and Chelan’s futures would be far from certain. And even if he could get the RIBUS out of range before Chelan’s change in plans was noticed, Fremma still had to face the Emperor at some point. Even though he was essentially following Chelan’s orders, he was disobeying Korba’s, and Fremma knew Korba would hold him solely accountable for all the potential fallout.

  But Fremma closed his eyes against any dismal thoughts. Right now, not only did he have to process all the ramifications of this abrupt change in what was already a chaotic situation, he also came to the sudden realization that he could have the beautiful alien woman in his arms for an unexpected and extended period of time. Right away he knew he would do anything to keep her with him for as long as he dared, and for as long as Korba permitted. All the other problems pertaining to Calley could be worked out during the six-month trip. But even that did not matter at the moment. As far as he was concerned, all that did matter was Chelan and her wishes, and he would grant them all if he could, as long as she was safe.

  Chapter 6

  All eight engine rooms roared to life and RIBUS 7 was catapulted from Iceanea’s outer atmosphere. Once the massive battleship was clear of the solar system, the new drive system was engaged, folding both time and space, and she sprang into another dimension.

  Fremma rounded the Bridge one last time, scrutinizing the displays and readouts. The new propulsion system was performing admirably so far, and he took a deep and calming breath.

  Tarn watched his new Commander from under his brows but chose to remain silent for the moment. Finally, Fremma looked to him and spoke. “You have the command, Tarn. I will be in my quarters if you need me.”

  All eyes on the Bridge suddenly landed on Tarn in uneasy anticipation. Tarn hesitated momentarily and then dared to ask his question. “When will you inform Korba of our passenger?”

  Fremma glanced around at the edgy crew, their stillness an indication of their concern. Fremma mulled over the dilemma. “I am not sure,” he confessed. “That is what I propose to discuss with my Lady right now.”

  Fremma’s navigator swiveled in his chair and faced his Warlord directly. “If I may be so bold, my Lord. Korba may choose to rain down his wrath directly on this ship once he hears the news. And that could be soon. It will not be long before he checks in with the Imperial Palace to find out that his Lady is on the wrong ship, going in the wrong direction.”

  Fremma kept his features indecipherable while he juggled all possible scenarios, each one weighed against the strength of his friendship with t
he mighty yet deadly Emperor. “I can honestly not predict our Lord God’s reaction to the situation. But I assure you that RIBUS 7 is safe from all forms of retribution while the Lady Chelan is on board. Regardless, I want all eyes and patrols to scan for incoming fighters throughout the trip. Special attention must be paid while passing the Zeon sector. I want no unauthorized approaches by any vessels, no matter what their call signs or their stated business. If the Lady Chelan is removed from this ship, a feat attainable only by someone as brilliant and cunning as our Emperor, then it may well be that we become one of the largest and most spectacular novas in space.”

  “Why is the Zeon sector so important?” Tarn asked.

  “Because RIBUS 14 patrols that area right now. Orders from Korba could turn her into our executioner. No link with her has been authorized. If one is to be established, it will be a warning to us all. If everything goes as originally planned, we should pass that sector with no communication at all. Just remember that while tending your posts. Every decision you make should be based on the fact that the Empress must remain on board this vessel at all costs.”

  Fremma studied the crew. “Only a select few of my personal security forces, my officers, and each and every one of you on this Bridge know the true situation, that the Lady Chelan is on board. It is imperative that this information remains absolutely classified for the entire duration of this mission. You are my best Bridge personnel, and I have no doubt you will protect my Lady’s agenda no matter what the fallout with his Lordship.”

  Tarn and the rest of the crew nodded their understanding.

  Fremma turned and left the Bridge, heading for the Command Center. Upon his entering, the main chair swiveled around and Chelan smiled up at him. “Good evening, my Lord. We are safely underway, I see.”

  Fremma nodded and took the chair next to her. “We have to talk about Korba. All the top officers at the Palace were alerted to your departure and told of the sensitivity of the information surrounding your relocation, but they all assume you are with Zane on RIBUS 5. How long it takes Korba to learn of your trip diversion is contingent simply on how long it is before he checks in on you. Once he realizes—”