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Finally Friday
Sorry about the really late post. Work got crazy for a while and now I have to put out some fires. Ugh! Silly day jobs.I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
The Vanguard
The Vanguard copyright (c) 2007 TA ChasePart Thirty-Four-
Rathian wasn’t sure what he should do except walk to his suite. None of his men reacted to the fact that both he and Stakel were naked. He held his head high. There was no reason he should be embarrassed. As the Supreme Commander, he had every right to walk around the Manor sans clothing if he wanted.
Rathian never thought he’d been uncomfortable in his skin, but knowing all eyes were on him was unnerving. The footsteps following him kept him moving along at a steady pace instead of hurrying. He stopped, allowing one of his men to open the Manor door for him.
“Sir, I need to speak to you.”
He turned and saw Excelsie standing in the hallway to his left. “Now isn’t a good time, General.”
Stakel remained close, but didn’t say anything. Rathian moved and his lover’s hand came to rest at the small of his back. Rough fingers caressed the soft skin there. Shivers chased down his spine, but his focus stayed on Excelsie.
“I’m afraid it is important.” Excelsie’s gaze shot over Rathian’s shoulder to land on Stakel.
“We have some new information about Villious and how the battle goes.” The general’s eyes were cold and ugly.
Duty warred with desire. He longed to go with Stakel to his rooms. Stakel seemed to enjoy their love making. He wanted to experience it as well, even though he’d been taught that the Supreme Commander never makes himself submissive to anyone. Yet he didn’t think Stakel would take advantage of that.
“Darius, bring the Supreme Commander a set of clothes and food to the war room.” Stakel’s orders shocked all of them.
“Who are you to give the prince’s page orders?” Excelsie’s body tensed.
Stakel stalked forward, pushing into the general’s face. Rathian saw the scowl marring his lover’s face. Stakel’s brown eyes glowed with a golden light. He started to reach out and stop the Villious from confronting Excelsie.
If he means something to you, you must let him fight his own battles. Do you want him to stay with you?
Who the hell was this voice talking to him? He’d never had it happen before Stakel arrived. Yes. It was a simple answer, but it was spoken from the heart. Rathian didn’t want to lose Stakel.
Then you must allow him to fight his own battles and establish his place in the Vanguard. He’ll not be a subservient lover. As a Consort, he fought against the chains and whips of the priests. They couldn’t break his pride. He won’t allow you to put him in that same position.
Rathian bit his lip and let Stakel deal with Excelsie. Glancing around, he saw Darius standing on the bottom stair. The page gave him an askance shrug. The prince nodded. Stakel had decided that the war was more important at the moment than their pleasure. In a way, it made Rathian happy to know his lover understood the demands placed on Rathian as the Supreme Commander.
“I don’t have to explain anything to you, General. You aren’t my commander, so your authority doesn’t extend to me.” Stakel pointed at Rathian. “The only one I’ll ever take orders from is Prince Rathian. My loyalty is his and no one else’s.”
Excelsie snarled, but something in the set of Stakel’s shoulders or the fact that the Villious’ hand gripped the curved blade convinced the general not to lose control. Rathian joined them.
“One of these days, the prince won’t be there to protect you and your evil plot will be revealed.” Excelsie spun around and marched off to the war room.
Rathian started to chase after him. Anger boiled in him at the threat Excelsie leveled towards Stakel. His lover’s hand stayed his movement. He looked at Stakel who shook his head.
“Don’t. This is between him and me. When the time comes, he’ll make his move and discover that I don’t need anyone’s protection.” A bruising kiss landed on his lips. “Go. Talk about the war. I can wait.”
A rough hand stroked his naked cock and he groaned. Stakel might be able to wait, but he wasn’t sure if he could.
“I’ll try to return as soon as possible,” he promised.
“You know where to find me.”
Stakel pumped his cock again, and then headed up the stairs. Rathian watched his lover’s tight ass flex with each step. For the first time, he cursed the responsibilities of being the Supreme Commander.
Vanguard Postponed
Due to circumstances beyond my control (doesn’t that sound eerie?), the next installment of Vanguard won’t be posted until some time next week. Sorry for the delay.T.A.
Firebird-Part Forty-Three
Firebird copyright (c) 2007 TA ChasePart Forty-Three-
Vlatko glared at Zalaigh. “Who are you that you can make promises binding all Mitcovians?”
Zalaigh stood and towered over him, but he refused to feel intimidated by the Mitcovian.
“I’m High Councilor, supreme ruler of Mitcov. I’m also the Guardian of the Heart.”
“You sure as hell aren’t the person I stole the stone from.” Rue’s comment caused a smile to chase across Vlatko’s face.
“It seems the I.U.M.’s reach is long. They corrupted one of my closest companions. She took the Heart. I don’t know where she was headed with it when you ran into her. Allaigh and his men caught up to her just minutes after the Heart changed hands.”
Allaigh touched Zalaigh’s back. The security officer’s touch seemed to ease the High Councilor.
“What happens when we give you back the stone?” Vlakto eased over to block Rue with his body. He didn’t think the Mitcovians were interested in killing or hurting them anymore, but he wasn’t willing to stake Rue’s life on it.
“The reuniting of the Heart and the medallion is a private thing. Allaigh will show you to a suite that will be yours for as long as you chose to stay. In the morning after we have rested, we’ll meet and go in search of a cure for you.” Zalaigh’s voice wavered and the High Councilor braced himself on the table.
The High Councilor was weakening. Vlatko didn’t want to chance Zalaigh would get too sick to help him. He tugged the stone from his vest pocket. He started to hand it to Zalaigh.
The High Councilor shook his head. Nodding to Rue, Zalaigh said, “Please, let the thief touch it one more time.”
Rue’s eyes widened, but he reached out with a hesitant hand. Vlatko encouraged him with a smile. If Zalaigh wanted Rue to touch it, Rue would.
A burst of light blinded Vlatko the second Rue’s fingers landed on the fire opal. He yanked the stone away when Rue started to fall. He tossed it towards Zalaigh before catching Rue in his arms.
After making sure Rue was okay, he checked to see Allaigh holding the High Councilor in his own embrace. The councilor’s hands cradled the Heart. Vlatko and Allaigh exchanged a glance. They understood each other. Their first priority was to their lovers.
“I’ll send someone to escort you to your suite.” Allaigh stalked to the door, carrying Zalaigh.
“Thank you and I hope the High Councilor is all right.” Vlatko sat down in a chair and grasped Rue to his chest. “What the hell happened?”
Rue pressed the hand that had touched the opal to Vlatko’s chest. He gasped. It felt as if Rue was holding a burning ember to his skin, even through his clothes.
“Are you okay? Do we need to treat the burns?” He pried one of his own hands from Rue’s body to hold the injured hand to the light.
“No. Aside from the heat, I’m fine.” Rue reassured Vlatko.
Remarkably, the thief was telling the truth. Vlatko’s close inspection of Rue’s hand showed no burns or blisters anywhere.
“What the fuck happened?”
Rue shrugged. “I don’t know. I touched the gem and it was as if a wall of fire shot through me. It was the most intense heat I’d ever felt, but I wasn’t worried about burning up or anything.” Rue shook his head. “You’ll think I’m crazy.”
Busy Saturday
Today, I thought would be a slow day so I could get some writing done, but no…it’s not turning out that way. I’m running errands and meeting a friend for lunch. Then later on, doing a favor for another friend.The best thing I hope I get done today is start building my website and newsletter. Though I will be writing, even if I have to ignore C and the cats…lol. I need to get some of these books I’ve got in various stages of completion done. Too many ideas, not enough time to write them. 🙂
Hope everyone has a great day.
Firebird- Part Forty-One
Firebird copyright(c) 2007 TA Chase(because Yvonne and Sylvie asked so nicely)
Part Forty-One:
Rue shook his head. “Let’s get back on track. We have the stone and we’re willing to make a trade with you.”
For a second he heard his mind yelling at him; telling him he was crazy to give up all those credits for a man. He met Vlatko’s dark gaze. Maybe it was the craziest thing he’d ever done, but it just might be the best if it worked out.
“What do we have that you could possibly want?” Zalaigh crossed his arms and glared at him through the vid screen.
“We want the Mitcovian scientist who created the liquid body armor that the I.U.M. uses.” Rue swallowed. Here was where they laughed at him.
“What? Oh hell no, baisha. We won’t give him to you.” Allaigh exploded.
Rue shot a puzzled glance at Vlatko. The assassin frowned and shrugged.
“Allaigh, calm down.” Zalaigh wore a confused expression. “Why do you want him?”
“There’s something wrong with the body armor. Its atomic structure begins to break down and eventually destroys the body from the inside out.” Rue tried to remember what Vlatko had told him. “The person it’s injected in to has a life expectancy of forty years maximum before their bodies can no longer sustain the damage done.”
“Why should we care about their trained killers? If they die, it’s one less danger to us.” Zalaigh pointed out.
“You’re right. I won’t argue that point with you. Before I was hired for this last job, I’d have agreed with you.” Rue shifted, not willing to say more than that.
“Some thing changed your mind.” Zalaigh’s gaze flickered beyond Rue’s shoulder for a second. “Or someone. It’s interesting to see a thief such as you brought to such an unfamiliar place like this.”
“Do we have a deal or not?” Rue didn’t want to waste any more time. Each minute they took discussing the trade was a minute closer to the I.U.M. getting a hold of them.
“There’s a slight problem. I can’t give you the scientist.”
Rue’s heart dropped. It had been worth a try.
“I can allow you to stay on Mitcov and meet with him to see if he can find a solution.”
Allaigh looked as if he had swallowed a fish. Rue could tell the security officer was livid about that choice. Zalaigh shook his head to keep the other Mitcovian from protesting.
“We’ll discuss it and get back to you, High Councilor. The way I see it, my partner and I don’t get anything more than just a meeting out of this kind of trade.” Rue needed to talk to Vlatko. He was almost desperate enough to take it.
Rue knew Vlakto was in pain, though the assassin never complained. The muscle weakness and headaches were getting worse. The only relief Vlatko got was when he touched him and the warmth from Rue’s hands filtered through Vlatko’s body.
“I’m prepared to offer you and your partner asylum. You may live on Mitcov for as long as you like. We will protect you and harbor you.” Zalaigh’s grin was vicious. “Once we have the Heart back, the I.U.M. can’t touch us.”
“High Councilor, we’ll contact you when we’ve reached a decision.” Rue shut the vid down and leaned back, stretching the tension out of his back.
Vlatko’s hands massaged his shoulders and he felt the touch of lips on his head. He sighed. They were a step closer to finding a way to keep Vlatko alive.
Firebird- Part Forty
Firebird copyright (c) 2007 TA ChasePart Forty-
Vlatko wasn’t surprised by Rue’s tone. Something about the High Councilor commanded respect. Vlatko made sure to stand in the shadows behind Rue. He didn’t want to seem like he was forcing the thief to talk to the Mitcovians.
“Are you here to beg forgiveness and return my planet’s most precious treasure?” Zalaigh’s tone was skeptical.
“No, Sir. First, I’d like to state that I didn’t know the stone I stole was yours until my partner informed me. I was hired for a different job and was told the theft of the stone would be my cover.” Rue’s explanation was basic, but unapologetic.
“We’re supposed to believe the word of a thief?” Allaigh interrupted.
Zalaigh held up a hand and stopped the other Mictovian’s outburst. “It matters very little why you chose to steal our stone. How much do you want from us for the return of the Heart?”
Rue shrugged and Vlatko could tell his lover was uncomfortable with the conversation. He touched Rue’s back, letting the man know he was right there with him.
“If I wanted credits, High Councilor, I would have screwed you all and sold the stone on the open market. I’ve been told I could get a fortune for it. I’m not interested in fortunes.”
“You’re not? Strange declaration from a man who steals for a living.” Allaigh frowned.
Rue gave the security officer a cold stare. Vlatko felt a swell of pride. He knew Rue had always relied on his charm and looks to get what he wanted, but Rue was smart enough to know that wasn’t going to work with the Mitcovians.
“I’m here to discuss a suitable trade with your High Councilor, not some pumped up security guard. Keep interrupting our conversation and the Councilor’s Heart will disappear into someone’s private collection. You’ll become slaves to the I.U.M.”
Vlatko wanted to cheer. He knew the Mitcovians admired confidence and strength. Rue was showing both by confronting Allaigh.
“Allaigh, shut up. Mr. Thaday knows he’s put us in a position of weakness. We have nothing to negotiate with while he has the gem and the presence of the I.U.M. looming behind him.”
“Nothing I do has the sanction of the I.U.M.” Rue laughed. “Trust me. I’m on their hit list by now.”
“Right and that’s why you have one of their trained assassins standing behind you.”
Rue shot him a glance. He didn’t say a word. This was Rue’s show. How the thief described his presence didn’t really matter to him.
“He no longer works for the I.U.M.”
“No one quits the I.U.M. Especially their Security branch.” Allaigh sputtered.
“They do if they have information the I.U.M. doesn’t want made public.” Vlatko spoke up, keeping his voice low and unemotional.
Zalaigh chuckled. “They must hate you.”
“I won’t be getting a Christmas card from them.” He moved back into the shadows.
Saw This…
over the weekend. It was pretty good. Little Miss Sunshine has a tendency to feel like a car wreck about to happen, but in the end, I think it redeemed itself.
We also saw Employee of the Month. Not a great movie, but it had its moments.
Took a little break from Tony’s story and Firebird. Have a short story I need to get done. Hopefully, once I type what I wrote yesterday in, I won’t have a ton left to do. 🙂 Then it’s back to the other two. I want to get those done so I can get working on the second book in my Dragon series. Mordred and George are getting impatient for their story to get told..lol
I hope everyone has a wonderful Hump Day.
Firebird-Part Thirty-Nine
Firebird copyright (c) 2007 TA Chase
Part Thirty-Nine:
Rue frowned at him. “If I have to. How did you know who to contact and how to get a hold of them?” He took the fire opal in his grasp. The gem flared as if a flame burned in it.
“Yes, you have to. Stargazer gave me the information. He also made sure the transport came equipped with a cloaking device. Neither the Mitcovians nor the I.U.M. will be able to find us unless we want them to.” Vlatko spun them around so he could point to a green button on the far wall.
“I see he thinks of everything.” He settled in. “I’ll do all the talking when the negotiations get started. No offense, but I’m not sure being subtle or even nice is your strong suit.”
“No. I’m the strong silent type. I’m going as your bodyguard and back-up. I’ll keep the gem on me until you’re ready to turn it over.” Vlatko sounded as if he anticipated Rue arguing with him.
“Why?” He stroked a finger over Vlatko’s nose.
“It’ll be harder to take the Heart from me than from you. Even with the vest, you’re vulnerable. I don’t have any weaknesses.” Vlatko bit the tip of Rue’s finger. “Except for you. I don’t plan on giving them the opportunity to use you.”
“I’m glad to know you won’t feed me to the wolves.” He moaned as Vlatko’s tongue teased the pad of his finger.
“The only person who gets you or your body is me.” Vlatko sucked Rue’s finger deep.
“Fuck.” He groaned.
“I’d love to do more to you, but they’re going to be contacting us soon. Do you want to talk to Allaigh or just to the person he brings us?” Vlatko set Rue on his feet.
Rue stuck his tongue out at the other man. “You talk to Allaigh. He’s your contact. I’ll deal with the big guy.”
“This is your show, love.” Vlatko stood up and leaned against the panel. “He should be back any minute now.”
As Valtko finished talking, there was a chime and Rue felt his shoulders tense. For the first time, someone’s life hung on his ability to charm and con. He stepped back to allow Vlatko closer to the screen.
“Allaigh?”
“Who else would it be, baisha? Where is your partner?” The Mitcovian male glared at them.
“Where is the decision maker? I’m not showing mine if you don’t show me yours.” Vlatko was standing right in front of Rue, so the alien couldn’t see him.
Allaigh sighed. “I brought High Councilor Zalaigh.” The security officer stepped away from the screen to allow the High Councilor to take his place.
At the same time, Rue switched places with Vlatko. Rue didn’t have any idea what he was gong to say. He just hoped he could convince the Mitcovian to give them what they needed.
The High Councilor was only slightly smaller than Allaigh and a softer blue. He wore a white tunic and pants. Hanging around his neck was a gold medallion. There was an empty space in the middle of the disc and Rue wondered what used to rest there. He figured it was a symbol of the High Councilor’s office.
“Ah yes. So the envoy from the I.U.M. was right.” Zalaigh nodded at him. “Rue Thaday. Who else would have the nerve to steal the Councilor’s Heart?”
“Sir.” Rue kept his tone respectful, but confident.
The end of the Weekend.
I was watching a PBR event yesterday. It took place in Fresno. This bull was in the short-go (which is the last round of riding to determine who wins the event) This is the infamous Reindeer Dippin. Probably one of the rankest, if not the rankest, and most difficult bulls to ride in the PBR today. Reindeer is an amazing animal to watch work. He’s only been ridden twice in his career which includes 23 or 28 outs (Not sure which..lol) He’s psychotic and mean.What does that have to do with anything you’re asking yourself right now. Well, this bull inspired me to write the last chapter for Home to Stay. Tony’s story isn’t finished by any means, but the last chapter is and when everyone gets to read it, you’ll know who the bull in that story is patterned after. 🙂 As you can tell, I get my inspiration from everywhere.
Got another 1k done on Firebird..taking me up to 42k. Woo-hoo! I’m getting closer.
I hope everyone has a great Sunday. I’ll be writing and watching football. 🙂
