Ai No Kusabi Fan Fiction ❯ The Lost Cadre ❯ Chapter 11 ( Chapter 11 )

Author's Notes: Ai no Kusabi and its characters do not belong to me and I make no claim on them. All rights apply to the talented people who did create them. I make nothing off this except gratifying my own twisted pleasure.

 

Everybody else IS my own creation that I have plopped down into the Ai no Kusabi world. The things that they do and their interaction with the other characters of Ai no Kusabi are purely my fabrication.

 

Thanks goes to my invaluable betas on this slightly AU endeavour. You guys know who you are. *kisses*

 

 

The Lost Cadre 11

 

“Excuse me, but you are Jolen Helki, aren't you?”

 

Jolen reluctantly turned away from the ship's port he'd been staring out. An older woman was standing next to him with a hopeful expression on her face. He pasted on a professional smile and dipped his head to her.

 

“I knew it! I saw you perform with your brother going on twenty years ago now. I've never seen anything so beautiful before or since. Could I get your autograph?”

 

“Certainly. I'm always happy to meet fans,” Jolen said as he took the paper and pen from the woman and scrawled his name across the page before handing it back to her.

 

“I told Belsaida it was you. She didn't believe me but I'd never forget you. You were marvellous. Do you still tour? What about your brother, Jenlen? I haven't heard about any new albums from him since that last concert you did with him,” the woman said as she clutched the autograph to her chest like a schoolgirl.

 

“Jenlen retired from his career,” Jolen said with a fixed smile.

 

“But he was so good and in the prime of his life. I've never heard anyone sing so beautifully.”

 

“He did have a wonderful voice didn't he?” Jolen said with fondness and a hint of sadness in his voice.

 

“Do you think you could do a small show for us? I realize I'm being very rude to ask but I've honestly never forgotten the performance I saw. You still dance, don't you?”

 

“I still dance,” Jolen confirmed as he felt himself being backed into a figurative corner. “I wasn't planning on giving any performances. I don't have any props or costumes with me….”

 

“You don't need them. You're entrancing enough by yourself. Please. I swear, I won't bother you for the rest of the trip. I just… I'd like to see you dance one more time in person. Videos don't quite capture the… connection you make with the audience when you're doing a live show.”

 

Jolen gave a small sigh at the same time that he felt the warm glow of pride in his chest from the woman's words of praise. Dancing without props or costumes wouldn't really be a problem. He was a professional and knew how to move to make the most of his body to give a good performance. He simply hadn't thought anyone would recognize him and ask. Music wouldn't be an issue. Almost anything would do. Jolen felt his resistance to doing an impromptu show crumble when he looked into the woman's earnest eyes.

 

“One dance and I choose the piece. That is, provided the captain agrees to it.”

 

The woman sucked in a surprised breath then squealed in delight. She thanked Jolen profusely and ran off to where another woman was sitting. Jolen watched her talk animatedly and wave the paper he'd signed in front of the other woman's face. He smiled and shook his head, wondering what kind of soft touch he was to agree to the spontaneous performance. Jolen stopped a steward to pass along a message to the captain to ask if he could perform for the ships passengers. At least dancing for the passengers would alleviate some of the boredom of the trip through deep space.

 

*********

 

Jolen took his final bow to the tightly packed audience. The one song he planned on dancing to morphed into three. The applause was loud and continued even after he left the stage. The rush Jolen got from doing what he loved and the appreciation of the crowd was better than any drug he'd tried. The woman who'd recognized him and convinced him to perform waited for him backstage. Her face nearly glowed in excitement.

 

“Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Even better than I remembered.”

 

“I'm glad you enjoyed the show. It was fun. I'd forgotten how entertaining it could be to do something so impulsive,” Jolen said with a genuine smile.

 

“I know I'm about to be so very forward and I'm not usually this bad mannered, but, are you planning on touring again? Would you consider making a stop in my country? I have connections and could easily get you whatever venue you wanted.”

 

Jolen smiled and gesture for the woman to precede him into a room backstage. He couldn't believe how tempted he was to take her up on her offer. If he didn't have something to do on Amoi…. The woman blushed and hurried into the room as if afraid Jolen would retract his unspoken offer of more time to speak with him.

 

“Excuse me; I'm really in a tizzy over meeting you. I haven't even properly introduced myself. My name is Lesula Deshenko. My husband is the Ambassador of Irenic, a little country on a planet you've probably never even heard of. He said I was being a pest and I probably am, but I just had to tell you that I thought your performance was spectacular and I enjoyed it immensely.”

 

Jolen smiled at the woman. Happy, enthusiastic fans were generally nice to meet. It showed that his performances affected others and gave them pleasure. If there was one thing his Awh'anise mother taught him, it was about the pursuit of pleasure.

 

“So would you consider coming to Irenic? Naturally, you'd be paid for your performance.”

 

Jolen chuckled. “As much as the idea is appealing to me right now, I can't. I have some business on Amoi.”

 

“You're going to perform on Amoi? Oh my god! The Blondies there will positively mob you. How in the name of all the gods did they convince you to put on a show for them?” Lesula's eyes widened and she raised a hand to her mouth. Pink tinged her cheeks. “I don't believe I just said that. I've met kings and empresses and not been this flustered. I'm terribly sorry for prying like that. It was rude. Beyond rude. I really do have better manners.”

 

“I'm not offended. I know what it's like to meet someone who you think is an amazing performer. You're doing better than I did when I first met my idol. I stood there and stammered for a full five minutes before just pushing a piece of paper at her and mumbling `sign',” Jolen laughed softly.

 

Lesula giggled and relaxed. For a performer who was so well known, Jolen was a very nice man and rather down to earth. If she wasn't still deeply in love with her husband…. “So, when are you performing on Amoi and were can I buy tickets?”

 

“I'm not performing. I have some business with a…” Jolen hesitated in using the big-high, mucky-muck phrase that the giant snake from his dream used, “with a man of high standing on Amoi.”

 

“That could only be a Blondie. They pretty much run everything on Amoi. They're beautiful and charming but very shrewd and a little on the cold side. He must be a big fan of your performances to seek you out. They're fairly insular and don't exactly encourage contact beyond what they need for trade.”

 

“He doesn't know I'm coming. We've never actually spoken. I'm just going to ask to have a meeting with him. I probably only need an hour of his time,” Jolen said.

 

Lesula blinked and pursed her lips. If Jolen was really going to just drop onto Amoi and hope to get a meeting with a Blondie, he was setting himself up to fail. “Please don't think I'm being rude or nosy but, what do you know about Amoi or Blondies?”

 

“Not much of anything, really. Why, is there anything important I should know about them before getting to Amoi?”

 

“An AI called Jupiter runs everything on Amoi. Blondies are like… her favourite sons. They're all male, by the way. The Blondies, I mean. They have a rather peculiar society as well. Blondies are at the top with citizens below them and what they call mongrels or non-citizens at the bottom of the social ladder. Blondies also keep Pets and Furniture. Pets are people breed for the Blondie's amusement and Furniture are like their servants. I understand that the Blondies primarily prefer homosexual acts and that they don't actually have sex themselves but watch their Pets perform for their pleasure. At least that's the gossip I've heard among the other diplomats. I can't say if it's true or not.”

 

Jolen sighed. When he'd initially set out on this little dream induced endeavour, he hadn't thought about any problems he might encounter in trying to see the person he'd been told to speak to. Jolen reasoned that if he was being sent somewhere, shouldn't the person he was to see want to talk to him? This new piece of information put a very unwelcome wrinkle in his plans to get to Amoi, see this Mingan person and go back home as quickly as possible.

 

“I think this meeting might be harder for me to arrange than I'd originally thought. I'd assumed…” Jolen trailed off.

 

Lesula wasn't overly surprised that Jolen didn't know much of Amoi. The planet was fairly limited in its outside contacts and unless there was profit to be made, it was her understanding that Jupiter discouraged exchanges with other planets. Lesula tapped her bottom lip with a finger as she thought. There was one exception she knew of to the no-contact rule. The AI seemed to have a certain weakness for things of beauty and Jolen dancing was one of the most beautiful things she could think of. Even the mighty AI had to have knowledge of a performer hailed as a wonder of grace and refinement across several galaxies. A slow smile developed when the perfect solution came to her for Jolen's need to see a certain Blondie and her desire to see him perform again.

 

“Send a message to Amoi. Tell them that you are doing a number of impromptu concerts for a select few, lucky cities. Say that Tanagura has been chosen because of their appreciation of the arts. Tanagura is the main city and if this Blondie you want to talk to is somebody really important, that's where he'll be,” Lesula grinned. “Tell them it's a one time offer and they have until your star ship reaches Amoi to decide. Send along some clips of a few of your shows and I can almost guarantee they'll welcome you with open arms.”

 

Jolen opened his mouth in surprise before closing it while he thought quickly. Perhaps this was what was supposed to happen. He couldn't see being told in a dream to go to a planet he'd never heard of, to talk to a man he'd never met, about a relative he didn't even know he had, without some kind of way to make everything work. Jolen returned Lesula's grin.

 

“I suppose you'd be able to help me accomplish all this, wouldn't you? For maybe a chance to see this performance of mine? I assume I would have to give a performance.”

 

Lesula nodded. “I help you reach your goal and I get to see you dance again. What better solution is there?”

 

Jolen laughed and kissed the back of Lesula's hand. “If you can wrangle a meeting for me with one Mingan Zenos, then, you can have a front row seat at this performance you're getting me to do. Do you, by chance, have some Awh'anise blood in your family tree? I've only seen female Awh'anise be this shrewd and crafty.”

 

Lesula blushed and reluctantly pulled her hand back. She rose from her seat and smoothed her dress down. “No, but thank you for the compliment. I have to get the ball rolling for this. We only have a few days before we pass by Amoi and I think they'd need at least a day to think this over. I'll let you know how it goes.”

 

Jolen stood as well and walked Lesula to the door. He watched her walk away and hoped she could do what she said she could. Jolen sighed softly as he turned from the door and moved to the small dressing table. He didn't really like the way his life seemed to be slipping out of his control. He wondered if Jenlen went through something similar when he left everything and everyone to do what a dream told him. Jolen's lips firmed as he applied cream to remove the makeup he'd put on for the show.

 

He'd be damned if some creature from a dream was going to be allowed to control his life.

 

*********

 

A week and a half passed and the need to fuck no longer pressed on Sevilen so hard. The breeding cycle seemed to be tapering off; something Sevilen was both grateful and regretful for. While he was glad that he was regaining control of his needs, the perfect excuse of the cycle that allowed him unlimited forbidden pleasure with his Blondie Master was almost gone. Not that Sevilen thought Mingan would suddenly push him aside when it became apparent Sevilen didn't need to fuck every few hours. Mingan showed every sign of continuing to bed his little Pet even after the cycle was done. Sevilen was torn between excited and guilty that he could give and receive such delight. He was also very flattered that someone like Mingan actually wanted him. Being wanted for himself was still a rare treat for Sevilen and made him feel warm on the inside.

 

The decreased need to fuck combined with the fact that he'd made good progress in removing the excess data from Jupiter that he didn't want or need, left Sevilen feeling restless. He wasn't used to doing nothing for long periods of time. Sevilen approached Mingan and asked if there was anything around the house he could do to alleviate his boredom. Mingan told him he was free to explore the house as long as he didn't try to leave. Seeing how Mingan kept him naked in the house, Sevilen couldn't see himself going far without clothes.

 

Sevilen was exploring Mingan's house and found himself in an area he hadn't been in yet. A faint, salty tang in the air and increased humidity had excitement surging through Sevilen's veins. The scent brought to mind the ocean of his homeworld and hours spent swimming in the warm, clear water. He tried several rooms before he found the one holding the scent of the sea.

 

Sevilen stood on the threshold of the room and stared in open mouthed shock.

 

A large, natural looking pool filled the room. The stones forming the pool were smooth and touched with moisture. A large rock wall formed the back of the room, a sheet of water flowing down the wall with a quiet rushing noise into the water below. An unbroken wall of windows lined both sides of the room. Even the roof was made of glass giving the impression that the door Sevilen just stepped through led to the outside instead of an enclosed room. Plants of every kind surrounded the pool and Sevilen swore he could hear birds chirping and insects humming. He laughed in delight when a butterfly flitted past his face.

 

Sevilen glanced over his shoulder looking for Mingan even though he knew his Blondie was shut in his office. Sevilen wasn't sure if he was allowed in the pool room or even if it was meant for swimming but, it looked so inviting, he couldn't resist sitting at the edge of the pool and dangling his feet in the water. A soft sigh escaped Sevilen. The water was warm and the atmosphere relaxing. It reminded him of home and a pool deep in the forest that he used to frequent. He closed his eyes, tipped his head back and simply drifted mentally. It wasn't long before the desire to actually get in the pool and swim began moving through Sevilen. With another quick look over his shoulder, Sevilen slipped into the pool and began lazy laps.

 

The unique pleasure Sevilen felt whenever he swam glided through his body. He'd always felt very at home in the water and when he mentioned it to his mother, she'd told him that was part of his heritage from his father. Sevilen floated on his back and thought about the dream he'd had with his father. He had a million questions to ask the man who'd sired him but aside from that one dream, Jenlen hadn't returned. Sevilen sighed softly. He wished he knew how to call his father to him. Or better yet, his mother. He wanted to see her again and tell her that he loved her. Tears threatened to fall from Sevilen's eyes. He still missed his mother and felt guilty for not being able to save her. The relaxing feelings from swimming began to dissolve under the guilt at his failure to protect the one person who meant more to him than his own life.

 

Sevilen sucked in a large breath and dove to the bottom of the pool.

 

The water closed over his head and muted all sounds. Sevilen settled himself on the bottom and cleared his mind of everything troubling him with effort. Guilt of failure to save his mother. Guilt at enjoying sexually what he'd been taught was wrong. Frustration with his current situation and the mystery of what, exactly, his role in the plan Jenlen mentioned was. Slowly, Sevilen's mind calmed and the peace that being in water always seemed to give him worked through him. A smile graced Sevilen's face and he found himself feeling better than he had since his mother died and his world collapsed.

 

Sevilen opened his eyes and stared up through the water at the sky above. He thought that coming back to this room for a leisurely swim every day would probably do him a world of good. Sitting on the bottom of the pool as he currently was helped to settle him mentally. All he needed to make it perfect were some small fish to swim around him and nibble at his fingers and toes like he used to enjoy on his homeworld. Sevilen let his eyelids fall to half mast as he thought of how best to ask Mingan to add some colourful fish to the pool.

 

In his office, Mingan was finishing up with his work and wondered where his little Pet disappeared to. The house was quiet so Mingan checked the bedroom first thinking Sevilen may have decided on a nap. Seeing the bedding neatly made and undisturbed, Mingan searched the rooms that Sevilen routinely stayed to. Not finding him in any of those rooms either, Mingan began a quick search of the house. He was starting to worry that Sevilen disobeyed him and ventured outside until he moved through the wing that housed the rock pool.

 

The gentle sound of flowing water made Mingan smile. Only if the door to the pool room was open, could the sound of the water bubbling over the rocks be heard. His little Pet found the pool that first attracted Mingan to the site and caused him to choose it as the perfect location to build a house on.

 

Mingan stepped into the pool room and scanned the area for Sevilen. He frowned when he didn't see his Pet in the greenery around the pool or splashing in the water as he expected. A flash of dark lavender waving at the bottom of the pool drew the Blondie's eye. Sevilen was lying in the bottom of the pool, unmoving. Fear turned Mingan's insides cold and he launched himself into the water in a neat dive and stroked strongly towards his Pet. It had never occurred to the Blondie to ask Sevilen if he could swim. He'd initially been distracted by Sevilen's carnal needs then, the work he'd allowed to pile up while seeing to those needs. The deep pool never even entered his thoughts as a possible hazard to his Pet.

 

Sevilen's eyes flew open at the loud splash and ripples in the water. He turned his head to find Mingan barrelling straight for him. His Blondie grabbed a fistful of Sevilen's hair and jerked his Pet to his chest. Sevilen struggled against the rough hold his Master had on him, almost wriggling free. Mingan tightened his arm around Sevilen's chest and kicked hard for the surface. They burst from the water and Sevilen renewed his struggle against the almost crushing hold of Mingan.

 

“It's alright, Sevilen. I have you. Cough up the water and breathe,” Mingan said in an unsteady voice as he swam to the edge of the pool and heaved them both out of the water.

 

“Cough up what water?” Sevilen asked, annoyed that the best rest he'd gotten in ages was yanked away from him. “I was about to finally get some peace when you snatched it away from me.”

 

Mingan tightened his grip on Sevilen. He knew Sevilen resisted being a Pet but he'd thought Sevilen was coming to enjoy the physical side of their relationship and maybe even forming an attachment to him. The idea that Sevilen would choose to drown himself the first chance he got to escape his Pet status distressed Mingan.

 

“No, Sevilen. That isn't the way. Talk to me if you're upset. I'll do whatever I can to help you except set you free.”

 

“I was doing just fine in the bottom of the pool,” Sevilen said as he pressed his hands to Mingan's chest and tried to push out of the hold his Master had on him. The fast beat of his Blondie's heart made Sevilen pause. He didn't think Mingan would get so upset over a little swim.

 

“You weren't fine. God knows what would've happened if I hadn't found you when I did,” Mingan said stroking wet hair from Sevilen's face with a hand that shook slightly.

 

“I would have rested peacefully for at least another ten minutes before grabbing another breath and going back down for another half hour or so. Do you have any idea how calming it is for me to just float like that?” Sevilen asked trying again to squirm away from Mingan's tight hold. Being that close to his Blondie while they were both wet and naked was kicking his cycle induced need into high gear, which further annoyed Sevilen.

 

“You'd what?” Mingan asked finally hearing, if not understanding what his Pet was saying.

 

“I'd have stayed underwater just floating in the peace and calm. Let go, Mingan. You're squishing me,” Sevilen insisted as he continued to push against his master's hold.

 

“What, exactly, were you doing at the bottom of the pool?” Mingan asked. He loosened his hold slightly when he realized how tightly he clutched his Pet but didn't let Sevilen go.

 

“Clearing my head the way I've always done it. Whatever my father was besides Awh'anise allows me to stay underwater for longer than normal periods of time. Forty-five minutes is average for me but I have stayed under for just over an hour without needing to surface to breathe. Although, that long underwater without taking a new breath makes me light-headed and nauseous. Wait a minute; did you think I was drowning?” Sevilen asked in surprise, the idea just occurring to him. “I'm an excellent swimmer. I wasn't in any danger.”

 

“Show me,” Mingan demanded. He'd never heard of somebody being able to hold their breath that long. Then again, Sevilen already did things Mingan would have sworn wasn't possible.

 

“Alright. Please don't grab me by the hair like that again, Mingan. That really hurt,” Sevilen said with a pointed look as he pushed out of Mingan's relaxed hold, stood up and back flipped gracefully into the pool.

 

Mingan's eyebrow rose. Sevilen barely made a splash as he entered the pool. He twisted and glided around underwater, almost dancing, his waist length hair streaming around him. Nearing one side of the pool, Sevilen put on a burst of speed that surprised Mingan. If he had to, he didn't think he'd be able to catch his little Pet in the water regardless of the Blondie's bigger size and power.

 

After nearly five minutes, Sevilen broke the surface with a smile and the pleasure in his face made Mingan's breath catch. He wanted to see Sevilen smile like that more often. Mingan found he wanted Sevilen to smile at him like that. Sevilen drew in a breath and dived back underwater. Mingan stood at the edge of the pool and waited for his Pet to surface. After ten minutes passed with the occasional wave from Sevilen to Mingan to let his Master know he was fine, the Blondie finally sat at the edge of the pool and thought about his initial reaction to finding Sevilen in the bottom of the pool.

 

Mingan was a little surprised to realize he wanted Sevilen on a deeper level than that of Master and Pet. The possessive and protective things Sevilen drew so effortlessly from him reminded Mingan of how he'd felt towards Cenon. He wanted Sevilen physically but he also wanted his little Pet emotionally. The cold fear that gripped him when he saw Sevilen on the bottom of the pool proved to the big Blondie that his Pet had taken a place of importance in his life.

 

That Mingan had come to care so deeply for Sevilen so quickly wasn't entirely a surprise. The Blondie had loved Cenon almost from the moment he laid eyes on him. Cenon had been the one cautious and slow to admit to his feelings, not Mingan. Because of what Mingan was engineered by Jupiter to be, his basic instincts were sharper than the other members of the Cadre. Right now, instinct said Sevilen had captured his heart without even a token protest on the Blondie's part. A soft laugh left the Blondie as he signalled Sevilen to surface. He somehow doubted Jupiter intended for one of her finest creations to fall in love with a Pet.

 

*********

 

 

“But I have to go with you, Mingan,” Sevilen said with a mulish set to his jaw.

 

“No, my Pet, you don't. You said you haven't had a vision of anything happening to me at this event so I'll be safe, won't I?” Mingan said with a distracted air as he adjusted his clothes in the mirror.

 

Mingan was pleased with the form-fitting clothes he'd chosen for the evening. The butter-soft, dark red leather contrasted well with his metallic silver hair that he'd left loose for the evening. A short cloak of the same colour as his outfit, lined in black satin and trimmed with silver fur was draped over the back of a chair along with a pair of black gloves trimmed with more of the silver fur. Mingan gave a regretful little sigh when he thought of how spectacular Sevilen would've looked by his side in a matching outfit with the ornate silver Pet chains connecting him to his Master.

 

“I don't see everything that happens. I've told you that before, Mingan. What if it was an attempt that I hadn't dreamed? All I know for sure is that I have to be with you to keep you from dying. You don't have to go to this. You're… Cadre. You can do anything you want. Jupiter even has that logged in her data banks.”

 

Mingan grinned briefly at that information before he sighed. He'd have liked to bring Sevilen to the performance. He had the feeling seeing a dance performance would've given Sevilen a great deal of pleasure but it was a strictly Blondie affair. One where even the Blondies invited to attend were only of the highest ranking. Mingan was almost sure that not even Zesiro was invited to go. Although, given that man's personality, he'd show up regardless. Mingan smirked when he thought of security trying to stop the man if he really wanted to get into the show.

 

Mingan had been told to attend by Jupiter. She informed him that a dancer of some renown was doing a series of impromptu performances on random worlds and that Amoi had been mentioned as a place that encouraged and valued the arts. Mingan knew Jupiter researched data on Jolen Helki and found that the offered performance was indeed considered a highly sought after honour among several planets Amoi traded with. He hadn't toured in nearly twenty years yet was still wooed by people galaxy wide. Word of Jolen's performance on Amoi quickly spread to their various trade partners and requests for tickets to the show along with long sought concessions flooded Amoi. If an AI could be said to be happy, then Jupiter was exceptionally pleased with the results of allowing Jolen Helki to give a performance on Amoi.

 

Mingan's instincts perked up. Given all the strangeness that'd been happening, he found the timing of the visit suspicious. There was the possibility the performance was a trap for him. If it was, Mingan didn't want Sevilen anywhere near the danger. He didn't want Sevilen hurt or exposed to his Hunter side again when Mingan had been making such good progress with overcoming Sevilen's lingering nervousness about pairing.

 

“This isn't up for discussion, Pet. I'm going and you are staying. That is final. I'll be gone for a few hours so turn around and bend over.”

 

“What?” Sevilen asked in wary confusion.

 

“Do it, Sevilen. You're still in cycle for a few more days even though your needs have relaxed a great deal from those first few days. I did notice your earlier reaction to rubbing against me in the pool room. If I have you now before I go, you should be fine until I get back. You might be feeling a little on edge but, judging from the past couple of days, you won't be in pain, just anxious.”

 

Sevilen narrowed his eyes at Mingan. He opened his mouth to protest but snapped it shut just as fast. What Mingan said was the absolute truth. Sevilen muttered to himself and stomped over to the night table where the lube had taken up permanent residence. He clenched his jaw in annoyance when his body reacted without his permission to the thought of Mingan's cock inside him, giving him relief before he needed it. Sevilen moved back to Mingan, took his Master's hand and slapped the container of lube into the Blondie's palm before presenting Mingan with his back and bending from the waist. He rested his hands against the mattress and muttered under his breath about controlling Blondies.

 

Mingan worked to keep the amused chuckle from breaking free. Sevilen was easily the most entertaining person he'd ever met and his little Pet wasn't even trying to please or amuse him. Mingan was again reminded of a riled up kitten when he looked at Sevilen. Something about the deep lavender hair and golden eyes along with the spitting mad expression Sevilen wore when he slapped the container of lube into Mingan's hand made the Blondie want to take his Pet to bed and say screw the show. But, Jupiter demanded he attend, so attend he must.

 

The big Blondie popped the cap on the lube and squirted a dollop into the palm of his hand. He opened his pants and pushed them one-handed to his thighs before slicking his cock. He rubbed the remainder of the lube over Sevilen's hole and pushed a finger inside his Pet. The Blondie smiled when his Pet made a small sound of pleasure at the gentle invasion before quickly muffling the noise. Mingan didn't need to stretch Sevilen. With the frequency he'd been taking his Pet, none was necessary. The Blondie lined up his cock and pushed firmly.

 

A tiny gasp of delight escaped Sevilen. Regardless of what his mind wanted, his body welcomed the feel of his Master's cock. Sevilen shivered at the feel of Mingan sinking into his body. He may have still been struggling with the remnants of guilt over enjoying sex with another male but he couldn't deny how good it felt, cycle or no cycle. Mingan was a far more considerate lover than Sevilen would have thought a Blondie to be going by what he'd been told of Blondies. For that, Sevilen was grateful.

 

Mingan took a firm hold of Sevilen's hips and started thrusting into his little Pet with long strokes. Sevilen gave a shaky moan, making Mingan smirk. The Blondie knew the angle he was entering his Pet at would cause his pierced cock to rub hard directly over his Pet's prostate, spiking Sevilen's pleasure with every push.

 

“Do you like this position, my Pet?” Mingan asked before dragging his tongue over Sevilen's spine.

 

A wordless sound of pleasure left Sevilen's throat as he placed his hands over Mingan's hands on his hips and not so subtly encouraged the big Blondie to move faster. Mingan chuckled and obliged by moving his hips faster with shorter strokes. Sevilen cried out sharply and threw his head back, almost catching Mingan on the chin. Mingan couldn't remember ever having such a responsive partner before. The A-class Pets he'd purchased over the years couldn't compare to how Sevilen reacted with him. Even when Sevilen hadn't been under the influence of the cycle, he'd been beautifully receptive to Mingan's touches.

 

“You haven't answered me, Sevilen. Do you like this position? Does it feel good? Does it make your cock throb and your balls feel heavy?” Mingan whispered into Sevilen's ear as he added a little twist of his hips to the short thrusts he made into Sevilen's ass.

 

“Yes,” Sevilen breathed as his mind shut down and allowed his body to just feel the pleasure Mingan was giving him. He figured he could be embarrassed over his fast surrender later.

 

A wicked idea suddenly occurred to Mingan and he smiled wolfishly. “Good, because I like this too.”

 

Mingan used his connection to Jupiter to mentally adjust the Pet ring on Sevilen's cock. His Pet gasped as the ring tightened and prevented him from reaching the orgasm that was almost upon him. A moan of denial left Sevilen. Mingan changed his rhythm of thrusts. Short and fast became long and hard. Mingan felt his orgasm rushing at him and let it overtake him. The big Blondie jerked his Pet firmly to him and groaned as his cock spurted inside Sevilen. His Pet whimpered and wriggled his hips, making sounds of enjoyment at the feel of his Master releasing in his ass yet wanting his own orgasm. Mingan panted lightly and closed his eyes against the pleasure of Sevilen's ass twitching around his sensitized cock and the delightful pleading noises his Pet was making. He reluctantly slipped from his Pet and watched for several seconds as his come trickled from Sevilen's stretched hole.

 

“Turn around, Sevilen,” Mingan ordered in a husky tone.

 

“Mingan, why? Why stop me from coming?” Sevilen asked in a hoarse voice as he did what Mingan told him to do.

 

Mingan took in the flushed skin and fine sheen of sweat. Sevilen's pupils were huge, almost eclipsing the gold irises. His nipples were tight little buds and his cock head dark and leaking fluid from denied release.

 

“So I could do this,” Mingan answered as he dropped to his knees and took Sevilen into his mouth while pushing three fingers into Sevilen's loosened opening to press hard on his prostate.

 

Sevilen's short nails dug into Mingan's shoulders and he groaned at the feel of the Blondie's tongue ring rubbing on the underside of his cock. His body was poised on the edge yet Mingan was using the pet ring to prevent him from coming. Sevilen felt that was massively unfair when Mingan knew he was still under the influence of his cycle. He drew in ragged breaths as Mingan worked his mouth over Sevilen's engorged cock. Little whimpers of pleasure left the Pet when his Blondie added firm strokes to his prostate to stimulate him further.

 

“Mingan, it hurts. I need….” Sevilen panted, his fingers digging into Mingan's shoulders as the need for release clawed at him.

 

Mingan glanced up at his Pet and was surprised to see what looked like physical pain on Sevilen's face. He'd meant only to tease his Pet a little not cause him actual pain. Mingan mentally adjusted the Pet ring quickly, releasing Sevilen from the constriction. The breath shuddered from Sevilen in relief and Mingan swallowed his Pet all the way down.

 

Sevilen's shout as he suddenly peaked smoothed out into the clear note of pleasure Mingan enjoyed calling from his little Pet. Mingan hummed his approval at the feel of Sevilen's seed hitting the back of his throat before he swallowed. The Blondie was caught off guard when his Pet's knees gave way. The three fingers he had buried in Sevilen inched deeper before his Pet's ass clenched tight in protest and a soft hiss of discomfort escaped Sevilen.

 

Sevilen's head spun with the intense pleasure Mingan had just given him. He felt boneless and replete. He'd been shocked when he felt the Pet ring tighten on his cock, preventing him from reaching orgasm. He'd been so close and then to feel Mingan's cock pulsing in his ass yet have his own release denied him…. As humiliating as it would have been, Sevilen had been ready to beg to be allowed to come. Then, to suddenly feel Mingan's mouth on his overly sensitive cock and fingers stuffed into his twitching ass to press on his sweet spot; Sevilen thought he'd pass out from the pleasure as his orgasm was finally allowed to roll through him.

 

Mingan scooped his limp pet into his arms and carried him to bed. He set Sevilen down and kissed him with more than a hint of possessiveness. The big Blondie wanted to crawl into bed with Sevilen and hold him tight before loving him again, slowly. Sevilen made noises of approval in his throat as he returned the kiss.

 

“If I hadn't been told to be at this performance by Jupiter herself, I'd stay here with you and keep you up the whole damn night doing wicked, naughty thing to you. You're beautifully erotic; Sevilen, and I thank whatever hand of fate dropped you into my life. I'll be back as quick as I can,” Mingan said as he kissed Sevilen again.

 

“You're still going without me, aren't you?” Sevilen asked as he gripped Mingan's arm with surprising strength.

 

“Yes, I am. I'll be careful and keep an eye out for trouble. I'm not going to let anything come between me and my favourite Pet,” Mingan said with a soft smile.

 

“I'm your only Pet,” Sevilen pointed out with sigh knowing from Mingan's tone and body language that it was pointless to try and get his Master to either stay home or take him to the show. He'd learned that much from his short time with Mingan. “Just be careful. Please, Mingan.”

 

Mingan stroked a finger down Sevilen's cheek. “I'm always careful. I'll be back before you know it.”

 

When Sevilen would have gotten up from the bed to follow Mingan to the door, the Blondie waved him off and told him to stay in bed. Mingan claimed if he saw Sevilen naked again with seed running down his legs, he'd be even later for the performance than he already was. Sevilen blushed and was immediately aware that he did indeed have Mingan's seed smeared on his thighs. Sevilen huffed and jerked the blankets over his head causing Mingan to laugh. Sevilen remained as he was until he heard the door open and close.

 

Sevilen pushed the blankets back down and looked up at the ceiling as he tried to will a vision of the performance to form. When nothing happened, he grumbled in annoyance at the “Gift” he had. What good was it if he couldn't use it on demand? He really needed somebody to teach him how to use the budding powers he could feel waking deep inside him. Maybe he could ask Zesiro to bring a Vi'deshron to Amoi to teach him since he couldn't leave Mingan until he was certain his Blondie would be safe.

 

Although, if Sevilen was being perfectly honest with himself, he was thinking less and less of leaving Mingan once the danger to him was over. Even though Sevilen was a Pet, he enjoyed being with his Blondie on several levels. A little sigh escaped the Pet. His growing desire to stay with Mingan was yet another complication that he really didn't want but seemed to be saddled with.

 

The idea of having a Vi'deshron coming to Amoi had appeal to Sevilen and he thought of how to word his request to Zesiro. He stepped into the shower to clean himself of sweat, lube and seed. As he stood under the hot spray letting his mind drift, a shiver raced over his skin and made the hair on his body stand on end. Sevilen's eyes lost focus for a few seconds and he found himself leaning heavily on the cool wall of the shower. A mix of excitement and trepidation flowed over him. Sevilen blinked slowly and shook his head as if coming up from a great depth.

 

A change both good and bad loomed on the horizon. Mingan would be safe at the performance that evening. He wouldn't be alone and defenceless there. But, something or someone bad was coming to Amoi. Things were being set in motion and propelling events along. Sevilen drew a suddenly cold hand over his face. One minute he was wishing he knew how to work the Gift he had and the next thing he knew his wish of a vision was granted. A wiry smile kicked up the corners of his mouth. He should be more careful what he asked for. Apparently, somebody was listening to his wishes.

 

*********

 

 

Akando surveyed the house with a professional eye. The size and shape was pleasing, blending in with the rugged surroundings. The location itself was on a slight rise and the area immediately around the house clear of anything big enough to be used as cover. Mingan was the best Hunter Jupiter created but Akando was the best at what he did.

 

Namely, getting into places where he shouldn't be and finding things people didn't want found.

 

Akando smirked as he walked up to the house boldly. Mingan asked him to come and see him so he saw no reason to hide his presence. He did want to continue the game he'd played for years with Mingan, though. A game of one-upmanship that Jupiter interrupted when she'd separated the Cadre. Akando ran his eyes over the door, spotting a security device immediately. Entering through the front door was too easy and something a normal person would do. Instead, he turned away from the front door and walked the perimeter of the house. All the doors and windows were locked tight. He was about to reach into a small bag on his hip for the tools of his trade when he spied a window open a few inches. Akando grinned and approached carefully, slightly wary of the window being a trap.

 

Examination of the window proved it to be exactly what it looked like. A window slightly ajar, probably to catch a breeze earlier in the day and forgotten now. Akando knew he was going to rib the hell out of Mingan for being so sloppy. He eased the window open enough to enter, moving as silently as a shadow. Akando paused in the room and listened. He heard singing coming from somewhere in the house and moved to follow the voice.

 

As Akando glided down unfamiliar halls, he automatically noted the locations of doors and windows as well as the route he travelled. If he needed to make a hasty escape, he would know how to get out of the house quickly. The sound of singing grew louder the deeper Akando moved into the house and he wondered what Mingan was listening to. He'd never heard anything quite like it. Akando peeked around a partially open door and froze.

 

A small, nude male with faintly green skin, marked with black designs and deep lavender hair stood in the middle of what appeared to be a living room. His back was to Akando as he swayed in the center of the room, the wonderful voice coming from him. Akando could identify the singer as male from the teasing view of cock and balls he got whenever the singer swayed to the music he was creating. Akando wondered when Mingan had begun to keep a Pet. He slipped into the room soundlessly and approached the Pet.

 

Sevilen opened his eyes as he sang and saw a wavy reflection of a tall, silver haired man in the glass of the entertainment unit. Mingan had changed his mind! Surprise and pleasure had him cutting his song off mid-word and turning to smile at Mingan. Sevilen only managed to partially turn around when a hand fell on his shoulder. His eyes widened as images and thoughts and sensations flooded his mind catching him unaware. He dropped to his hands and knees, panting and immediately covered in sweat. A low moan worked its way from his throat and Sevilen squeezed his eyes tightly shut for several seconds before opening them again. Only the time spent learning and working to rid himself of the information from Jupiter kept Sevilen from passing out from Akando's touch as he had when Mingan first touched him.

 

Akando had no idea what had come over the small Pet. He'd barely touched the boy before the Pet went down like Akando had sucker punched him. The Blondie frowned and reached out to the Pet. He wanted to know what the hell was going on.

 

“Don't touch me, Shade of Jupiter. I need a moment,” Sevilen rasped sitting back on his heels and holding up a hand to stop the Blondie from touching him. The Pet drew in deep calming breaths and his eyes, when he looked at the Blondie facing him, were slightly glassy.

 

Sevilen quickly noted that Akando had the same metallic silver coloured hair as Mingan although Akando's hair only reached his waist. He also styled it differently. Where Mingan's head was shaved smooth on the sides, Akando had a full head of hair. He had the same pattern of marks on his arms that Mingan did and was the same height and looked to be the same weight. Their eyes were the exact same shade of purple and their skin an identical dusky colour. From the information Sevilen received from Jupiter, he knew the Cadre members had initially been physically identical and only differed psychologically. After the night the Cadre was almost wiped out, each of the surviving Cadre had taken to altering their physical appearance slightly from each other without being aware they'd done so. Sevilen found that interesting and wondered why. He didn't think Jupiter knew or cared but he was curious.

 

“What did you just call me?” Akando asked in a low voice, ignoring the Pet's command to not touch him. He closed his hand around the Pet's upper arm and hauled the small male to his feet. He hadn't been called Jupiter's Shade since the night the majority of the Cadre died. Only other Cadre members knew the code names Jupiter had given them. This Pet was most definitely not Cadre and had no business knowing that name. Akando couldn't see Mingan telling a Pet something like that or even why he would do so. Something strange was going on with this little Pet of Mingan's and Akando wished he had the time to ferret all the information from him.

 

Sevilen clenched his jaw at the nearly painful hold on his arm but no sound of hurt escaped him. “You, Akando, are Her Shade. Mingan is Her Wolf. Wakiza is Her Fist and Zareb, Her Armour.”

 

“How do you, a Pet, know that? Mingan wouldn't tell you. Where is your Master?” Akando asked in a low voice with a little shake to Sevilen.

 

Sevilen saw no point in holding anything back from Akando. Mingan would share the knowledge of his Pet's Gift with the other Cadre members when he gathered them all together. “It's my Gift and my Curse to learn things about people when they touch me. Mingan's at a performance. He'll be back in a few hours,” Sevilen said tugging on his arm in an effort to get free.

 

Only through years of practice did Akando keep surprise from showing on his face at the claims the Pet was making. He'd never heard of anything even remotely like what the Pet was saying he could do. Aside from the Pet having information he wasn't supposed to have, he didn't seem to have any fear of the Blondie either. Akando thought he could change that with a little implied aggression. Certainly, the Pet had to be aware of the violence a Blondie was capable of. All the Pets he'd known had been told what could become of them under the hands of their Masters.

 

“Not very smart of you to tell me that you're alone and unprotected for several hours, Pet,” Akando said in a low, menacing voice.

 

Sevilen looked up at the man who was a near mirror image of Mingan and felt none of the conflicting feelings his Blondie stirred in him. Akando looked nearly identical to Mingan yet desire didn't surge through Sevilen at standing so close to Akando as it did when he was near Mingan. An annoyed look passed over Sevilen's face at that internal revelation. His attraction to Mingan was obviously based on more than just physical appearance or even personality, since Sevilen now knew almost as much about Akando as he did about Mingan. He also knew that because he was Mingan's Pet, Akando would do nothing to him. Had any other Blondie claimed him as a Pet, Akando wouldn't feel the same. Sevilen's eyes widened when the memory of Akando taking a Blondie for a Pet flitted through his mind. A smile quirked up one corner of his mouth with the very idea that Akando had taken a fellow Blondie as a Pet.

 

“I'm Mingan's Pet. You won't interfere with another Cadre member's possessions. It would be… dishonourable to you.”

 

Akando let go of the Pet slowly so as to not show how unnerved he was beginning to feel by the small male. To say this Pet of Mingan's was unusual would be an understatement. The Pet standing before him was triggering all kinds of inquisitiveness from what the Pet really was to how he seemed to know information that should have been available only to the Cadre or Jupiter herself. Mingan really did find the most interesting things on a hunt.

 

“Where's this event Mingan is gone to and why did he leave you here alone? Mingan has never liked to keep Pets, no matter how interesting they may be. Why are you even here?” Akando demanded.

 

“I don't know where the concert is being held. Mingan didn't tell me. I'm sure you can find out easily enough though. The event is Blondies only. No Pets allowed. I'm here because Mingan wants me to be here and because I made a deal with him,” Sevilen said with a small shrug. He refused to rub the aching spot on his arm where Akando had held him so tightly.

 

Akando raised an eyebrow at the attitude the Pet was showing. This Pet was almost acting like they were equals. They couldn't be equals. There was the Cadre and then there was everybody else. And a deal? What in the name of all the gods would possess Mingan to make a deal with a Pet? Interesting or not, Mingan needed to take his Pet in hand before he had trouble with the small male.

 

Akando scanned the room for a computer console. Finding one tucked in a corner of the room, he made short work of accessing Jupiter's data bank and retrieving the location and details of the event. Keeping an eye on the strange Pet that remained standing in the middle of the room, Akando couldn't resist temptation and quickly accessed Mingan's personal files. A smirk flitted over Akando's lips. Mingan's access codes were the same ones he'd used fifty years ago. Shaking his head at Mingan's sloppiness and intending to rib him about it later, Akando quickly scrolled through the details Mingan had on the Pet and found what the Pet, Sevilen, said about his Gift appeared to be true. The Blondie wanted to stay and question the Pet further but given the time and the location of the concert hall, he would be lucky to make it in time for the final set. Not that he had much interest in catching the show itself. Akando simply wanted to make sure he caught Mingan before Jupiter realized who'd accessed her data banks and separated them again. Akando turned to leave the room but was brought up short by the Pet speaking to him.

 

“Be careful, Shade of Jupiter. I don't think Jupiter's Wolf is the only Cadre member in danger. As long as I'm with him, he'll be safe but he couldn't take me with him tonight. I saw that he'd be okay tonight and I guess you're the reason why. Keep Mingan safe, please,” Sevilen said in a serious voice that almost sounded like a command.

 

“The Cadre always looks out for their own,” Akando said in a low tone.

 

“I know. But, you have to watch out for Mingan this evening because I can't. He needs to be safe and come back here alive and well. As long as Mingan lives, the things I've seen won't happen and I'll do whatever I have to so something like that never happens,” Sevilen said fiercely.

 

Akando didn't turn around or respond to the Pet although the words the Pet spoke made him want to whirl around and shake the little Pet until he explained himself and his strange words. Instead, Akando left the room and the Pet behind, making his way out of the house the same way he'd entered. Something about the Pet made him wary but he couldn't exactly put his finger on what it was. It was more than the Pet knowing his code name or the code names of the other Cadre members. Akando was the information specialist of the Cadre and he'd seen something in that Pet's eyes that spoke of vast knowledge. Knowledge that he'd been trying to acquire for over fifty years. Now, Akando not only wanted to see Mingan for personal reasons, he wanted to grill his brother on where he'd found the unusual Pet and what, exactly, that Pet knew.

 

 

*********

 

 

“Do I look like I give a flying fuck what the invitation says, Raoul?” Zesiro asked from where he reclined nude on the bed.

 

Raoul shot an irritated look at the Shal-hazal. He knew he should've never mentioned the invitation to Zesiro and suggested alternate entertainment for his lover while he attended the Blondie only function. Nothing on the missive even mentioned Zesiro although Raoul was fairly sure it was common knowledge that Zesiro was staying at his house. Raoul suggested several things the Awh'anise could do to pass the time from watching holos to taking Hakhan to bed for a few hours. Zesiro had politely declined taking Hakhan to bed saying that unless the Furniture expressed an interest in doing so first, he wouldn't ask. Both men knew the shy Furniture would do nothing of the kind.

 

Hakhan, busy with brushing the Blondie's hair, kept his face impassive. He could still barely believe he was allowed to attend to his Master so intimately. That was entirely Zesiro's doing and he was beyond grateful to the man for that. To impose himself further than he already had on the Shal-hazal wasn't something he'd do. Zesiro had already given him more kindness and done more for Hakhan than he ever expected to receive in his entire life.

 

“You can't go, Zesiro. The invitation specifically says Blondie Elite only with reserved seating for invited diplomatic guests. You haven't been invited.”

 

“So? I'm a diplomat. I'm your guest. I would think you'd want to make a guest feel welcome. I like music a lot and this dancer sounds interesting. Come on, demsho. I'll pearl your ass again. Or better yet, I'll let you fuck me,” Zesiro said with a lazy smile as he began stroking his cock.

 

Raoul rolled his eyes. “You'd do that anyway. That's not making it worth my while to bring you anywhere. If you don't see trouble brewing, you make it your personal goal to start some. I can do without the headache. Or yet another dressing down from Iason because you can't or won't stay out of trouble.”

 

Hakhan concentrated on smoothing the fly-away strands of Raoul's hair when what he really wanted to do was burst out laughing. He'd heard through the servant gossip vine about the first meeting between Master Raoul and Zesiro. He'd also heard of the scene Zesiro caused at his own party with Mingan. Hakhan was aware of the way Zesiro needled Raoul to provoke a reaction from him that usually ended up with the Blondie losing his cool and physically attacking the Shal-hazal. It'd only taken a few times for Hakhan to realize Zesiro enjoyed the physical fight as a type of foreplay. He was very thankful Zesiro never toyed with him that way. The Awh'anise was very scary when he became intensely focused when involved in that kind of physical foreplay.

 

“Then how about I let you test out that new toy you recently bought on me?” Zesiro offered with a hint of eagerness in his voice.

 

“Are you serious?” Raoul asked unable to hide his own keenness to try his new toy.

 

“Yeah, I've never played with something like that. What can I say? I like kink. You aught to know by now that I'm always up for something new sexually. What'd you say, Raoul? You know I'll keep my word.”

 

Hakhan wondered what new toy Zesiro and Raoul were talking about and why they were so animated about it. A small package had arrived for Raoul the previous day and his Master had taken it into his room with an excited air. Hakhan heard the murmur of voices as, presumably, Raoul showed Zesiro his newest toy and felt his own curiosity grow. Since the one time he'd enjoyed the pleasure of both Zesiro and Raoul, Hakhan found himself thinking more about having sex than he had in years. Even more than when he'd been a Pet and sex was something he'd had nearly every day. Hakhan wondered if he'd be able to work up the courage to ask Zesiro if he could sleep cuddled next to the Shal-hazal and his Master before Zesiro left to go… wherever. The Furniture didn't necessarily want sex, although he wouldn't turn that away if it was offered. Hakhan simply enjoyed the close physical contact and the feeling of utter safety he received when sleeping with Zesiro and Raoul.

 

Hakhan knew he was thinking about things he had no business wanting. He mentally nodded to himself as he put the finishing touches to his Blondie's hair. Master Raoul was right. Zesiro was a very dangerous man-in more ways than one.

 

 

*********

 

 

Ejnar sat at his desk and drummed his fingers in annoyance on his desk top. A notice lay on the polished surface in front of him. Amoi had been chosen to have a special performance by a highly sought after dance performer. Trade concessions had been made by other planets in exchange for tickets to that performance. Trade concessions that Ejnar had been working hard on for months. Not so much so that Denague would profit or prosper but simply to steal away earnings from Amoi.

 

The notice said attendance was by invitation only and was to take place in a matter of hours. Ejnar knew that invitation extended to Blondies and whoever gave up the juiciest deal to secure a seat. There was no time to have a false invitation made and send someone disguised as a Blondie or diplomat to the event. Even getting an assassin into the concert hall at this late a time would be very difficult, if not impossible. Ejnar knew Mingan would be there that evening. A Blondie that important to Jupiter wouldn't be allowed to miss such a function. The notice had come too late to his desk for him to put any plans in motion. Why? Because a low level clerk hadn't wanted to bother Ejnar with such a small notice despite the order to shunt all information dealing with Amoi to his office immediately. With that thought, a heavy metal sculpture crashed into the wall, punching a hole in the expensive wood panelling.

 

“Get the clerk responsible for this fuck up in my office in ten minutes or you lose a finger for every extra five minutes I have to wait,” Ejnar bellowed in an angry voice through the still open door of his office.

 

He knew his assistant would have the clerk in his office in less than ten minutes. One example of the seriousness of his threats was all it'd taken to make his assistant jump into action when called. The woman could still type with blistering speed with only nine fingers. Eight and a half minutes later, the clerk was standing in front of Ejnar's desk nervously wringing his hands.

 

“Was my order unclear regarding information on Amoi?” Ejnar asked in a deceptively calm voice.

 

“No, sir. It was an oversight on my part. I apologise. It won't happen again,” the clerk said sweating noticeably as he watched the tall, blond man like a mouse watched a hungry cat.

 

“No, you won't be making any more oversights,” Ejnar said as he rose from his seat and approached the clerk.

 

Ejnar grabbed the clerk by the throat and slammed him down onto the polished surface of the Blondie's desk. The terrified clerk made garbled noises and struggled in vain against the hold Ejnar had on him. He'd heard repercussions for failure were ghastly from the man. Although he was a man of seventy-five, Ejnar looked half that age and still possessed the superior physical strength of a Blondie.

 

“No more oversights,” Ejnar repeated slowly and clearly before shoving two fingers and a thumb into the clerk's eye and pinching hard.

 

The clerk flailed wildly, clawing ineffectively at the Blondie's arms and screamed as his eye burst under the pressure. Viscous fluid trailed sluggishly down the clerk's cheek to be absorbed in the high collar of his suit jacket. With the eye now destroyed, Ejnar was confident there would be no further oversights and let the clerk go. He'd never had to reinforce the seriousness of his orders more than once for any individual. The Blondie calmly walked to the wet bar and rinsed his hand under running water before wiping his hand dry on a towel.

 

“I trust I've made myself clear on any future orders I may give. My assistant has called medical for you. That is all. You're dismissed,” Ejnar said as he resumed his seat behind his desk and turned his attention to his computer, the clerk all but forgotten.

 

The clerk staggered a few steps before passing out from the pain. Medical personal quietly entered Ejnar's office and gently lifted the clerk onto a stretcher. A needle filled with painkillers and sedatives was quickly jabbed into the clerk's arm before the medics left the office with their new charge. None of the medics said a word or looked in Ejnar's direction. They'd experienced situations like these previously with Ejnar and none of them wanted to attract his attention when he was in one of his moods.

 

The assistant watched the medical staff take away the clerk before going back to her work. She knew her boss was psychotic. She had her own missing finger to prove that. But he had information on her she couldn't let become common knowledge and the pay rate as one of Ejnar's staff was triple what she'd make anywhere else. A bitter smile twisted her lips as she thought of the consequences of one foolish act. Half an hour after the clerk was taken away, Ejnar strode into the outer office.

 

“Book me passage to Amoi, now. I want to be on the next ship leaving port. I'll be going alone. You have time off, with pay, while I'm gone. Unless, of course, you can't make the simple travel arrangements I've requested,” Ejnar said to his assistant as he shrugged into a stylish coat and prepared to leave the office.

 

“Right away, sir. Unless you would like me to forward your information to the port, I'll have the tickets sent to your home along with the necessary travel documents,” the assistant said, already busy getting the travel plans underway.

 

She knew he never wanted his tickets and documents sent anywhere but to his home. His obsessively controlling nature demanding he examine everything himself before he set out anywhere. No matter how or why, Ejnar away from Denague was always a good thing for everybody concerned but most especially his personal staff.

 

Ejnar said nothing in response knowing his assistant would do what he asked. Nobody failed Ejnar more than once. He'd already made hasty arrangements as best as he could with one of the operatives he still had in place on Amoi. It galled Ejnar to waste a deep cover man on something that could've been handled by someone more dispensable with less time and effort invested. He was annoyed enough to risk travelling to Amoi himself to oversee the operation of taking down Jupiter. Obviously, his hands-off approach wasn't the most effective course of action. Throwing money at the problem hadn't been working either. Ejnar muttered to himself about the low quality of people he was forced to work with to achieve his goal as his driver took him home.

 

Going to Amoi was a calculated risk. The chances of him being recognized after so much time were small and once he donned his disguise, the likelihood of recognition was minute enough to be negligible. Ejnar smiled to himself at the thought of going back to Amoi right under the nose of Jupiter. He liked the idea of settling the score between him and the AI personally.