Ascent

Lili Ann Baker has been enjoying her time as a cargo captain. She spends huge swathes of time alone getting world building materials to where they are needed and the appreciative recipients give her the feedback that she needs. When she delivers the final harvest containment to Geko 7, the party that erupts is wild and she is invited by the grateful population to enjoy the fruits of their first harvest. Admittedly, Lili Ann has more wine than she can account for and the next morning she wakes up in bed with a man who does not meet the specs of the colonists. She assumes he is a pilot, like her, and sneaks away in the early dawn hours. Her ascent is denied by a hungover ground control and she has to wait on the tarmac until the local government can sort things out. Imagine her surprise when her bedmate is leaning against the side of her vehicle, the mind of the Geko 7 swirling in his eyes. Yavoy has been waiting for decades to find a woman of his own and despite her rather relaxed language, Lili Ann has something that completes him, an enthusiasm for life.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Ascent Copyright © 2012 Viola Grace ISBN: 978-1-77111-160-7 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.extasybooks.com

Ascent A Terran Times Tale By Viola Grace

Chapter One ili Ann Baker watched the jump transport flicker and disappear in the distance. With no worries about disrupting their engines, she powered up her ship and began to make her way through the Geko system. Lili Ann’s payload was a harvest-storage system that would contain and preserve enough food for seven thousand residents. With their harvest season just wrapping up, getting the timing right was urgent. She had three days of slogging through the Geko system ahead, so she played music, had endless rounds of tea and meditated while the ship was on automatic. Geko 7 was her ultimate destination and once her ship was emptied, she would return to the pickup point and wait for the cargo jumper to return to get her and bring her back to the depot. For now, it was a long and silent glide through the star system to the seventh planet and its brand new colony.

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Ascent It was time to break out the deck of cards. “This is the transport vessel H’dar requesting confirmation from the Geko 7 colony.” There was a pause and a crackle of the com system. “This is the Geko 7 colony. What is your business here?” “I am hauling your harvest storage systems from the Dalliafien Nebula. I am ready to drop them anytime you are.” She smiled and waited. A stream of data to allow her to clear the atmosphere surged into the nav computer. “Welcome to Geko 7, Transport Pilot Baker. We have been looking forward to your arrival. The harvest commences in fifty-three hours.” The voice on the other end of the com had definite relief in its tone. “I have the coordinates and the codes for the planetary shielding. Expect me in seven hours.” “We look forward to it.” She flicked the com off but kept it passive and open in case there were any updates from the planet she was approaching. She hoped that everything was in order because there was no way that she would achieve lift off with her payload still attached. Lili Ann shifted in her seat and queued up her landing montage. Terran music pounded through her cockpit, the tiny bubble on the top of her payload. 2

Viola Grace The landing was always surreal. Entering the atmosphere of an alien world seemed so peculiar to her, even after six years of working as a space trucker for the Alliance. She had applied to be a Terran Volunteer while she travelled from depot to depot for a buildingsupply company. It was amusing that she had ended up in the same line of work on a much larger scale. The ship that she was in control of was not so much a ship as a long-distance grapple with engines. Lili Ann slowed her ship and began a controlled entry into the atmosphere of Geko 7. It was the end of months of travel and prep. She was going to be glad when this delivery was over. One day later, Lili Ann was watching the colonists prep and open the storage units, gearing up for their first harvest. She waited for the council head to sign off on the shipment and then turned to leave. “Wait, you aren’t leaving yet, are you? We would like to invite you to the celebration that we are having this evening to mark the completion of our colony supplies before we store the harvest.” She perked up. She loved a good party. “What kind of celebration?” He grinned, “Food, wine and dancing.” 3

Ascent She was getting excited. She loved dancing, even if she couldn’t manage half the steps that the Alliance contained. They were as fun to watch as they were to attempt. “When does it start and is there somewhere I can rest for the night? A day away from my ship would definitely be welcome.” “I will make the arrangements. Please come with me, Pilot.” The Jerican councillor took her on a tour of the centre of the main city. “We have been working on this world for ten years and we are very proud of our accomplishments. Of course, we did have help.” He smiled and brought her to a dress shop. “A dress? Really?” “Everyone will be wearing their best tonight. It begins at sunset, so there are only a few hours for you to prepare. You will be seated at the honoured table and will have an excellent view of all the festivities.” She blushed and entered the dress shop. Councillor Hon gave her a quick introduction and when she had met the owner of the dress shop formally, he left her in the woman’s capable hands. “I am sure you are really busy with dresses for the other ladies attending the celebration.” Dressmaker Sheevin smiled. “The women around here have been ready for weeks. We were 4

Viola Grace just waiting for the harvest to be ready for collection. You have made that possible and so, I will ask you to simply remain in place while I pin this dress together.” The dress in question was black and not quite what Lili Ann would consider being a complete garment. The top was concealing enough, but the bottom consisted of a black set of briefs and a skirt that showed them completely but joined to the bodice that laced across her torso. Her legs were shown to all and sundry, but based on the gowns on display, this was a Jerican standard for clothing. Silvery hoops connected the skirt to the bodice and the slight amount of skin that could be seen between them was kind of cute. Lili Ann smiled. “It isn’t what I am used to, but I like it.” “Good. It suits you, but you need to get a hairstyle that matches it. Come with me, so I can hand you off to the next stage of your evolution.” Sheevin grinned and escorted her out of her establishment and down the promenade. Orchit was her next stop and the hairdresser had her brushed, braided and her nails polished within an hour. The sky was starting to tint as she stood and checked out her reflection. The pale blue of her eyes and ivory blonde of her hair stood out in 5

Ascent stark contrast to the dark dress. Orchit smiled, her black eyes and blue skin made her a poster girl for the Jerican. The lavender hair just completed her look. “Come along, the gong is going to sound soon and you need to be in place before the entertainment starts.” “Entertainment?” Lili Ann raised her brows. “Of course. This is our first harvest. The weather has cooperated, the planet has been generous and we are relieved. We want to show our appreciation to Arengar of Geko 7.” “Arengar?” “The planet beneath our feet. He offered us a place on his surface and we will be forever grateful to him. This is our way of honouring his generosity.” They walked quickly past a gathering crowd and around through a back entrance to a huge building. Orchit handed her off to a security guard and she was soon whisked through more halls and into a curtained area. “Wait here, miss. We are a little late, so you will get to take your place as soon as the Avatar finishes speaking.” The guard peeped through the curtain and when applause rang out, he quickly escorted her to her seat at a table between Councillor Hon and one of five other species’ representatives. 6

Viola Grace The Jerican were the predominant species, but about five percent were representatives from other worlds. A husky whisper from the other non-Jerican next to her made her smile. “What are you in for?” She chuckled softly and turned her head to face one of the most striking men she had ever come across. Midnight skin and ivory hair made an amazing contrast. His burning red eyes held traces of his emotions and he was definitely amused. “Hello. I am here to deliver the last of the equipment. What are you in for?” she kept her voice to a whisper as well. “Infrastructure.” She grinned at his eye roll. She extended her hand to him. “Lili Ann Baker, transport specialist.” “Yavoy. Infrastructure specialist.” He took her hand and pressed a quick kiss to the back of it. “Do you know what this evening will entail, Yavoy?” “Food, celebration and quite a bit of drinking. Are you up for it?” He quirked one white brow at her and she took it as a challenge. “I am if you are.” She looked out at the friendly, pale blue faces and sat out the myriad speeches that preceded the meal. It was not the first time that she had been 7

Ascent invited to a meal after a long delivery, but usually, she did not have such charming company. Suddenly, she felt a lot more positive about her chances of knocking out the cobwebs this evening.

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Chapter Two he first course was a fresh salad topped with marinated fruit and a crisp wine. The alcohol went straight to her head and she felt a distinct relaxing around the neck and shoulders. She was just settling into the warm, fuzzy feeling she was experiencing when Yavoy filled her glass again. She laughed. “Are you trying to get me drunk?” “No, simply relaxed. You seem far too tense.” He grinned and toasted her. A few of the Jerican smiled and whispered together as Lili Ann leaned a little closer to her dinner companion. The appetizer was lovely. Flowers were arranged in a pattern that mimicked the mountain range to the south. “This is lovely.” “Niabbru flowers. Ounce for ounce, they contain more protein than any of the meats on Geko 7.” He smiled and lifted one by the small bit

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Ascent of stem left over. “They also have an intoxicating aroma.” He extended the flower to her and stroked it across her chin. She blinked in shock through her slightly fuzzy haze as she realized that she was being seduced. The scent of the flowers was quite heady indeed. Her eyes widened in surprise as her body interpreted the smell as a sensual caress. A man stroking a finger between her thighs could not have had more effect. “What the hell?” He laughed. “I was wondering if yours were one of the species seduced by the flowers. Niabbru means to stroke from within. I am guessing that it was the effect you experienced.” She blushed. “How does it do that?” “It works on sense memory.” “What?” He chuckled. “It does not work on virgins.” She covered her face with her napkin and tried to cool her blush. “Gotcha.” “I didn’t mean to offend.” His grin was still in place, but there was concern in those red eyes. “You didn’t. I am just not used to being easy to read.” He smiled and placed his hand on the table, palm up. She took the hint and placed her hand against his, palm to palm. Electricity ran through her and echoed the sensation that she had felt when she 10

Viola Grace smelled the flower. Her hand clenched and she relaxed it with an effort of will. She licked her lips nervously and when she met his gaze again, it was fixed on her mouth. She jumped when music started up and in a rush, couples took to the floor, dancing and gyrating as the next course of food was served. Dumplings in sauce necessitated that she release Yavoy’s hand and part of her sighed in relief, the urge to crawl into his lap at the simple contact was not like her by any stretch of the imagination. “Please tell me that this won’t make my nipples harden or something.” It had to be the new burgundy talking, because she was shocked when the words came out of her mouth. He choked on the dumpling he was eating and she snickered that she had been able to throw him off. “No, none of the rest of the food is an aphrodisiac unless you have some peculiar physiology that I am unaware of.” She smiled. “I think I am fairly standard on most fronts. Terrans tend to be very generic. May I inquire as to your species?” He chuckled. “I am a blend descended from the Admar. My lineage includes over a dozen great 11

Ascent races. My appearance is a throwback to the dark Admar, though.” It explained a great deal. He had the broad jaw of the Wyoran, the feline nose and high cheekbones of the Azon, musculature from a heavy-gravity race and lips that she couldn’t stop staring at whenever he spoke. “I see. Well, it is a fascinating blend.” He grinned. “Thank you. I am sure that my parents would be proud to hear you say it.” They continued their polite chitchat for an hour, while the folk of Geko 7 danced, performed, pantomimed and produced course after course of delightful food. When the dessert was completed, Lili Ann could barely move. She groaned and patted the tight laces of her bodice over her ribs. “I don’t think I can fit another thing. This was a magnificent meal.” Councillor Hon turned and smiled at her, his smile faltering slightly when he saw her hand touching Yavoy’s. “I am glad that you have enjoyed it, Pilot Baker.” She smiled. “Oh. It was lovely. I will think of it fondly when I am stuck on rations again.” “Would you care to dance?” Councillor Hon asked the question, but it was Yavoy who got to his feet, taking her with him. 12

Viola Grace When they got to the dance floor, she looked up at him. “I have never danced much.” He wrapped one arm around her waist and lifted the other. “I have not danced much either. This is an experiment.” “A mutual experiment, how exciting,” She fought the urge to take control and simply relaxed and let him lead. It was harder than it should have been, but she managed to at last let them swim around the dance floor as gracefully as the other couples. As the music swelled and increased in tempo, they grew closer and closer together, until she could feel his erection and her nipples scraped his chest with every shift. When the third song started up, she tried to free herself from the endless whirl, but Yavoy held her tightly, moving his hand down to her lower back and rocking her against him as they shifted. “I think we should get back to the table. I am rather thirsty.” She smiled brightly, ignoring the tension that was on the rise between them. “You only had to say.” He released her and with one arm around her waist, they left the dance floor to smiles of approval and hearty grins that owed more to the now-freely flowing wine than any genuine mood. She sat at the table and he moved his chair next to hers, draping one arm around her shoulders in 13

Ascent blatant possession. A server came by with a tray of tiny glasses and Lili Ann took one, swigging it back before Yavoy could do more than raise one finger in protest. As heat built in her system, the floral flavour of the wine came through quite strongly. “Oh damn. How long will this last?” He smiled. “On your own, two days, with a partner, a few hours. It is designed to be burned off quickly. I was going to warn you.” “Back on Earth, we do this thing called shooter night where all we do is toss drinks back. I thought that this was like that. Cultural issue.” It was hard to concentrate with her body humming like she had just gone through three hours of foreplay. “I would be only too happy to help you work it out of your system.” His offer was actually sincere. “I would, but I don’t take strangers to my ship.” He grinned. “I have a place in the city not too far from here.” “Let’s go.” It was a decision made in haste, but she had no idea what she was getting into. She simply wanted to try. He rose to his feet and took her hand, leading her out of the celebration and with all of the cheers and applause coming their way, she felt like a new 14

Viola Grace bride. His place was indeed nearby, but what he hadn’t mentioned was that he had the best view in the city. She got to enjoy the balcony for only a few minutes before Yavoy pulled her back into his quarters, chuckling at her restraint. She turned in his arms and leaned up to kiss him. “You know, I won’t be able to get out of this gown without help. It is a little beyond my skills.” He ran his hands down her back, flaring her arousal higher. “I will manage it. I have been here a while, so the clothing is no mystery to me.” “That is very comforting.” She chuckled and then laughter was stilled when he pressed his lips to hers and the weird tingling started again. The chemical arousal was fading rapidly to be replaced by the real thing. She had one night on this planet and she was going to make it count. A pleasant ache throbbed between her thighs when she woke. Dawn hadn’t begun yet, but she was still on her ship’s time. Yavoy was sound asleep next to her and she eased away from him slowly so as not to wake him. She gathered the chunks of her clothing together and wrapped one of the sheets dislodged from the bed around her. With as much dignity as she could muster with her head pounding and body happily aching, she 15

Ascent slipped out of the huge bedroom and down the stairs. No one was awake yet except those who had to be. It took a few minutes to orient herself, but she managed to locate her ship and with only a bit of awkwardness, she climbed up to open the hatch and dropped inside with a sense of relief. It wasn’t much, but it was her home. A quick sonic shower and a tidying of her hair set her to rights. Lili Ann slipped into a tight bodysuit and winced at the abraded skin of her nipples, ass and inner thighs. She smiled as she finished fastening the suit. She had had quite an evening. Yavoy was strong, dexterous and creative with stamina. Everything she enjoyed in an alien onenight stand. Boots were tugged on and her hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail. It was back to work for her. With a song in her heart, she sat at the launch controls and contacted ground control. “Ground control, this is the H’dar. I am requesting authorization for launch.” “This is Geko 7 ground control. Please stand by.” Lili Ann waited, rubbed her neck where her suit was hiding the hickey she had received the night before. She waited, fidgeted and bit her nails. Ten 16

Viola Grace minutes passed. “Ground control, this is the H’dar. I am still waiting on that clearance.” “Please stand by, H’dar. We have a restraining order on your vessel.” The voice sounded nervous. “A what? Please explain what the heck is going on.” The com was silent and she heard a slow knocking at the side of her ship. Lili Ann got to her feet and walked the short length of her ship before opening the door. Yavoy was leaning against her ship with a grin on his face. As she stared into his eyes, they shifted from red into absolute black. “Oh boy. You are Arengar.” It suddenly made sense—the looks, the fawning glances and the approval for their companionship during the dance. “I am very pleased to meet you, Lili Ann. Now, get out of your vehicle.”

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Chapter Three isobeying a direct order from a planetary avatar was not a good idea, so she left the H’dar and closed the door behind her. He offered her his arm as he started taking them back toward the administration buildings. “Thank you for not putting up a protest.” She smiled slightly and spoke softly. “I save my protesting for when I can get away with it. The ground crews were watching very closely.” “A sense of propriety. Interesting.” Arengar’s tone was different than Yavoy’s. It was deeper, darker and infinitely amused. She remembered her willingness to do anything and everything that Yavoy’s rich voice had requested. The pleasure she had received had outweighed embarrassment at the time. Now, she wasn’t so sure. From what she had learned, Avatars and their planets shared access to the same memories. She knew that her blush was now firmly in place.

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Viola Grace While it was another consciousness looking out at her through Yavoy’s eyes, she knew that he had a memory of every touch she had delivered and received. It was the most bizarre three-way she could imagine. As they passed the morning commuters, she asked, “Where are we going?” “To the communication’s centre. We have an appointment.” His voice brooked no argument. “I have a com unit in my ship.” “This has to be public. I have rousted several councillors to certify and witness this conversation.” That sounded ominous. “What did I do?” The solid-black eyes stared down at her in surprise. “Nothing. It is what is about to happen that is the matter for discussion.” “What do you mean by that?” “You will see.” He didn’t say anything else, merely kept their walk at a steady pace through the lovely halls of carved stone. “This is a fairly elaborate city for a new colony.” “It was the last city of Arengar when my previous Avatar passed. I sent a request through another planet for a new Avatar and Yavoy came when I called.” Security guards were now stationed every twenty metres. Wherever they were in the grand 19

Ascent scheme of things, they were in a restricted area. “Here we are.” He nodded at the guard and the man immediately opened the door to expose a room full of screens. The walls were lined with seats and nine men in councillor’s garb were in position when they arrived. A few of them looked worse for wear, but all stood the moment that Arengar entered the room. “Make the call.” His voice boomed in the large, empty space. The screen flickered and three distinct faces appeared. One was Terran, the other two were Jerican and Azon respectively. The Terran spoke, her elaborate robes glittered with metallic threads. “Greetings Yavoy-Arengar. What do you want with her?” The Jerican rep rolled his eyes and the Azon’s lips twitched. The Azon rep cleared his throat. “You have five children, Imperial Consort. What do you think he wants?” Amanda Tyrell scowled and crossed her arms. “Very funny, Ambassador Ranith. Now, Arengar, what do you want with her?” Arengar straightened and wrapped his arm around her waist. “I want her as my secondary Avatar and mate for this body.” Lili Ann’s eyes widened as she finally caught 20

Viola Grace on to what was going on. Amanda Tyrell folded her hands in front of her on the desk. “What will you offer?” The Jerican representative looked shocked. “Offer? He needs offer nothing to her. He is an Avatar. By Alliance regulations, he can simply claim her and she will have to be surrendered by her home government.” Arengar scowled. “That is not how I want to take her. She is a woman with skills and determination that my Avatar appreciates. I will have her willing with the blessing of her own people.” She wanted to step away, but the soothing heat coming off his skin filled her with a pleasant lethargy. Images of his arms around her while his body thrust into her in a pleasurable frenzy snaked through her mind. She relived three of their couplings, including the climaxes that left her trembling, in less than five seconds. Her limbs shook and she had no choice but to hold on to Arengar. Amy Tyrell smiled. “Well, it seems you have the willing part down. Now, what are you willing to give her?” Representative Ranith sat back and grinned, content to watch. “I would give her this world, but I have just 21

Ascent allowed the Jerican to settle here. What would you demand on her behalf?” “Clothing and travel allowances, property to call her own and mining rights to a chunk of mineral- or gem-rich soil.” The Jerican representative spluttered. “You can’t give away our planet.” Arengar raised one of his snow white brows. “I really don’t think you understand the situation. I have given you the rights to colonize and minimal mining concessions, but this world is still me. I can destroy you in hours, wiping you off my skin.” “We have an agreement!” “That agreement is dependent upon the situation of my Avatar. If anything happens to him, and that includes a change in his temperament, you and yours have to go. I can tell you right now that if he does not get a mate when so many of my kind are having Avatars pair up, it will definitely have an effect on his state of mind.” Lili Ann winced as his hand tightened on her waist. “Do I have a say in this?” Amy Tyrell looked out of her screen and smiled ruefully at her fellow Terran. “I am afraid not, Lili Ann. None of us did. Remember that little clause in our contracts? They actually have the nerve to enforce it.” The clause that the ex-Negotiator was mentioning was in the Volunteer contract. In an 22

Viola Grace effort to get the genes of the new species into circulation, each Terran gave away their right to choose their own mate. The moment that the five Champions had been tapped, the clause had snapped into effect. Every Terran in the Alliance was living with the knowledge that their future was not their own. A few of the men had tried to circumvent the policy, but they had ended up with a visit from a minder and now, they were happily wed to the female chosen for them. It was the largest drawback to being an alien in an established society—you had to do whatever was demanded of you in the greater scheme of things, no matter what your personal opinion was. Sometimes Lili Ann thought that it was the reason that they chose the men and women that they did. They selected people who would actually keep to their word. She sighed in submission. “I do recall that clause and I will abide by it.” Yavoy was suddenly looking down at her through his own eyes once again, with Arengar sharing the connection. “You will not regret it, Lili Ann. I will make sure of it.” She looked into his eyes, their eyes, and saw that both of them were serious. Amy Tyrell smiled within the monitor. “Well, that is settled. With the terms stated, it will be 23

Ascent official the second that the initial stipulation is met.” Yavoy smiled down at her. “I guess that I have some clothing to procure.” The monitors dimmed and applause broke out as it became official. Lili Ann was now in line to become an Avatar. All she needed was a new dress.

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Chapter Four heevin was waiting and ready for her when she came out of the fitting room. “What do you think, Avatar?” Sheevin wasn’t asking Lili Ann, her eyes were focused on Yavoy. Lili Ann propped her hands on her hips and dared him to laugh. She was barely wearing anything. A good sneeze would rip the flimsy costume in two. Layers of tissue-thin silk wrapped her breasts, hips and down to mid-thigh. She was an advertisement for sex and there was no doubt about it when she looked into Yavoy’s eyes. She was more naked than she had been when she had been in his arms. The fabric highlighted every curve and hollow of her shape. It left nothing to the imagination. “No. Absolutely not.” She tapped her foot and scowled. Yavoy smiled. “Why not?” “Because I am a transporter, not a stripper.”

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Ascent Her frown should have been able to peel paint, but he was remarkably un-phased. “Sheevin, we will take that in blue, purple and the deep grey.” Yavoy rattled off the order. “I am not kidding, Yavoy. I can’t get into this thing by myself and I wouldn’t wear it in public.” He laughed. “Sheevin, get her the outer robe.” The seamstress slapped herself in the forehead. “Of course. I am so sorry.” The crystal grey robe that was produced turned the risqué outfit from the edge of sleaze into striking and swirled around her in a heavy wave. The layer made her smile. It was held together by a lovely silver clasp that joined between her breasts. “Fine. It is quite nice with the covering layer.” Yavoy laughed and got to his feet, adjusting the way the robe sat on her shoulders. “Trust me not to humiliate you in public, no matter whether Arengar is running your body or not.” She looked up at him and twisted her lips. “Trust doesn’t come that easily to me, Yavoy.” “We have all the time in the world, Lili Ann. Literally.” He pressed a soft kiss to her lips and she quivered as she rose up on her toes to deepen the contact. She sighed slowly as she returned to being flatfooted. “That was nice, both the sentiment and the 26

Viola Grace kiss.” He chuckled and put his arm on her shoulder and his thumb made tiny circles on her neck. She felt a haze of pleasure that started at where his skin touched hers and rippled through her body. “How do you do that?” “It’s a learned skill that I have honed over the last forty-eight hours.” He chuckled. “Arengar taught you that?” “Yes and no. He explained the basics and I have had to figure out how to apply it to your physiology.” She chuckled and they got on with the fitting. Sheevin put nine different styles on her, one at a time. Some Yavoy agreed to, some he rejected and others caused a heated flare in his eyes. By the time she was back in the first outfit complete with gauzy robe, she was exhausted. “Yavoy, I am hungry.” If he could have blushed, he would have, as it was, he winced. “I am sorry. I forget about that now and again.” “Forget about what?” “Eating. Arengar keeps me energized and on my feet. I rarely need to eat.” “Well, he isn’t running through me yet, so I am hungry. Where can I get some food?” He smiled. “Allow me to escort you to the local restaurant. We should be able to find something 27

Ascent for you.” Yavoy made the arrangements for the clothing to be delivered to his home and he escorted Lili Ann out the door and down the walking path. “I can’t believe that this city was simply abandoned for years.” “Arengar was grieving for Lackiala. She had been his avatar for eons and finally requested release when the last of her family was dying on a world far away. Lackiala visited her greatgranddaughter and they passed into the next life together.” Lili Ann nodded. “And Arengar went into mourning.” “Where he remained for as long as he could, until the Alliance buzzing around him and other planets brought him back to the point where he could entertain the idea. I was on a mining world doing nothing in particular with my life when the opportunity to join with Arengar presented itself. I offered my life to him and he moved in.” “Did it hurt?” She bit her lip. “It didn’t. It was rather like taking a warm bath from the inside out.” She went scarlet. That was how it had felt when they were having sex. The moment that the hot, slick rod of his cock had moved inside her, she had been lost. Lili Ann shivered as the memories rippled 28

Viola Grace through her. All of the shopping had caused her skin to regain its earlier sensitivity. “Are you cold? The weather is fairly temperate.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to the living furnace of his body. “Not cold precisely.” She didn’t want to admit to raging hormones. He escorted her through a doorway and into the warm confines of a restaurant. Despite the fairly extensive crowd, they were seated right away. The wait staff was so eager, it was almost embarrassing. “Is service always so attentive when you come out?” He tilted his head, considering. “I suppose so. You get used to it fairly quickly.” She chuckled. “I can’t see how.” “When everyone treats you as if you are extraordinary, eventually you realize that it isn’t true. The only truth will lie in your own acts and attitude toward those around you.” Lili Ann smiled at the ring of conviction in his tone. The appetizers arrived with the salad and she worked her way through the tangy and salty salad as well as the tiny little sandwiches that were sitting in front of her. 29

Ascent “You have a good appetite.” “When you fly long distance with sensitive equipment, the only thing you can control is when and if you eat.” “And you exerted control over the one thing you could.” “Of course. When you can only control one part of your life, you obsess over it.” She shrugged and continued working on the appetizers. The waitress came back and removed the salad plates and the appetizers. When she returned with the main courses, Lili Ann’s almost ended up in her lap. “I am so sorry, miss.” The look that she shot Lili Ann was dark, but the one she cast toward Yavoy was almost fawning. It took Lili less than a minute to figure out that the elegant blue enchantress had been intimate with the Avatar. When she wandered off with a sway in her hips, Lili closed her eyes. “How many others are there?” He blinked at her in surprise. “What?” “How many women running around the city have been in your bed?” Realization dawned. “Oh. Four. I tend to take my pleasures out on women who are leaving the planet.” She laughed and sipped at the wine that she 30

Viola Grace had been brought. “Oh. Eww.” “What is it?” “My wine has been dosed with vinegar.” He gave her a sceptical look and took a sip. “That is foul.” “I thought so. Can I taste yours?” She bit her lip as he gave her a suggestive look. He took a sip and handed her his glass. She carefully turned it so that her lips followed in his trace and she sipped at it. The waitress took a look at the glass she held and the one still on the table and frowned. When Yavoy raised the glass to his lips, she cried out and slapped it out of his hand. The manager appeared at their side. “Please excuse her clumsiness.” Lili almost giggled out loud. He had to have been watching from the kitchen doorway. The waitress ran to the back, sobbing as if her heart had been broken. “I will attend you for the rest of your visit, Avatar.” The manager took over and Lili waited until they were alone before she whispered. “She was one of your lovers.” He inclined his head. “She was. Yes. A few months ago.” “It ended badly.” “I don’t think I formally ended it and that could 31

Ascent be the problem.” Lili slapped her palm to her forehead. “That would explain it. So, if you always try to keep lovers leaving the planet…why me?” “There is something in you that calls to me. You don’t worship me, you stand up to me no matter what dignity or decorum would dictate. That is very enticing.” She looked into his eyes and she sighed as she saw the flicker of loneliness that came through on the side of Arengar. There was eagerness on the side of Yavoy and a longing in the presence of the planet. “You both need me in your own way, don’t you?” He chuckled, the black and red even in his eyes. “We really do. Will you allow us to join with you completely?” She eyed the plate being brought to her and she smiled. “Can it wait until after dessert?” The laughter of the Avatar of Geko 7 rippled through the restaurant and the air over the mountains cleared, letting the starlight dance through to areas who hadn’t seen the stars in centuries.

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Chapter Five o, do you just live in those quarters we were in last night?” They were making their way slowly back to the tower that she had escaped from during the dawn. “I stay there when I am in the city. During the year, I live in a home that Arengar crafted for me. We can go there tonight if you like.” “Really?” “Why not, the harvest is under way and we have no where we have to be.” “What about the clothing?” “It won’t go bad. We will just improvise something for you and have the rest flown out when it is ready.” She shrugged. “Fine. Let’s go.” He winked at her after he lifted her in his arms. He bent his knees and jumped, soaring into the sky with her in his arms. Her breath left her lungs and then she shrieked, “What the hell?”

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Ascent He whispered in her ear. “Each planet can gift its Avatar with skills if it wishes to.” “Apparently Arengar is generous.” The surface was flowing past them at a dramatic pace. They swooped into a house built into the foothills of the mountains and he set her on her feet. “How do you do that?” “Magnetic-field manipulation. It is a lost art.” He smiled as she took a few cautious steps. “Well, it looks like you found it again.” He chortled in response to her amazement. “It is a skill set that took months of practice to master. It was more of a calling than a hobby.” She took a seat on the couch in the nearby living space and casually shifted so that the robes slid to one side and exposed the transparent excuse for a dress underneath. The shadow at the top of her thighs was glaringly obvious to anyone looking at her and Yavoy was definitely looking. “Yavoy, I seem to recall someone saying something about putting energy into me. I was wondering exactly how you were going to go about it?” He didn’t waste a moment. With a smooth movement, she was crushed into the couch cushions and Yavoy’s mouth was on hers. His hands unclasped her cloak and left her clothed in silk shadows and nothing more. 34

Viola Grace His hands stroked her neck, across her shoulders and around her breasts. She shivered with every palming of her nipple and the gentle kneading of her skin. She looked down and shuddered at the contrast between his midnight hands and her lighter skin. “It does seem that I need to get the power inside you somehow, what would you suggest?” He whispered the words against her neck, licking and sucking to punctuate every phrase. The delicate fabric of her wrapped top came off in his hands with a few well-placed tugs. He warmed her skin with his breath and moved down to her breasts, nibbling and licking as he went. Yavoy latched onto one nipple and sucked it until it was a pebble-hard peak and then he moved to the other, each round of suction sent an answering quiver through her clit. He used his teeth, the sharp points abrading her skin lightly, and each minute puncture filled her with warmth. Yavoy ceased to nip at her breasts and made his way down her rib cage. She yelped in surprise as her navel sent a burst of lust through her that heated her feet and arched her back. He raised his head. “I must have missed that one last night.” She groaned at the light of discovery in his eyes. He wasn’t getting a little enjoyment out of 35

Ascent this. He was getting a lot. Lili’s skirt was tugged free with the same dexterity as her top had been. Naked and wearing only the transparent robe she still had on, she blinked in shock as he spread her legs and tugged her to the edge of the couch. His hands went under her thighs, around her hips and flattened on her belly. When he delved between her thighs, each touch of his lips had her hips fighting his touch as she tried to alternately get close and back away as her sensitive skin heated with the contact. She knew something was coming when his hands locked to hold her down. The stream of energy cascaded from his mouth and into her on the stroke of his tongue. “Cheating.” Her word came out in a gasp, because no other words were accessible. Power pooled in her belly and crept outward in a glow that was visible in the dark room. She writhed in a combination of pleasure and energy. The power built and built inside her and when Yavoy moved away from her for seconds, she ached in every pore of her body. She twisted in place on the couch and when he lay across her again, the hot bar of flesh pressing against her belly before he shifted and moved it into position for insertion into her channel. He waited, the burning red shared space with 36

Viola Grace swirling black in his gaze. When she looked into his eyes, she surrendered into the burning heat inside them. He surged forward and she could feel every inch and twist of his skin within hers. The slick moisture of her channel welcomed him and the pistoning of his cock rocked her with every thrust. Her skin tingled and her body felt as if it would fly apart and in seconds, it did. Her scream was swallowed by his kiss as he took the accolade that was his alone. As he pushed and pulled the flared head of his cock within her, she noted the glowing light of her skin. It grew brighter with her arousal as it climbed and flew skyward until she broke apart again. This time, her scream brought an audience into the room. “Lord Avatar, do you have one of those tarts here again?” asked a woman of advancing years and weathered blue skin. He turned and snarled at the poor woman. “Tomorrow, Gatih.” She raised her hands in the air and turned her back. “Ignore her, Lili Ann. The only thing I want you watching right now is me.” He pressed a kiss to her jaw and she threaded her fingers through his ivory hair. She raised her hips to his and undulated against 37

Ascent him, trying to bring his orgasm about. It took a bit of doing, but she managed to twist her hips in slow circles until he clutched at her shoulders and shouted his release. Lili could feel the swelling inside her as he jetted his cum deep in the base of her belly. He slumped against her for a few minutes before raising his head and smiling. “I believe we should adjourn to the bedroom. Far less chance of waking the housekeeper. Again.”

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Chapter Six

W

hen he withdrew from her, she flinched and shakily tried to close her thighs so she could

stand. The glow of her skin lit the interior of the room. The soft, ambient light was completely overshadowed by the bright flare of her skin. “What is this?” Yavoy lifted her and held her tightly against him. “Arengar is altering your body before he shifts into your mind. It is a courtesy.” He carried her through a wide doorway and up one grand staircase and then another. A single door was on this floor and it swung open as they approached. The non-stop electric tingle that was rippling through her body was distracting, but she caught an impression of a huge bed, an open archway to what she assumed was the bathing room and a balcony door that displayed the night through the glass. 39

Ascent She didn’t have the chance to look at anything else, she was slowly lowered to her feet and her attention was firmly on Yavoy and the shadows that her light was casting against his skin. “Remind me to thank him for his courtesy.” She put one hand around his neck and pulled him down to her while her other hand sought and found the throbbing bar of heat that had so recently been inside her. He growled and his sharp canines were highly visible. At least three of the races he had listed involved biting during mating and she had to admit that being bitten was a bit of a turn on. Her instincts had always leaned to the rougher aspects of sex, but she assumed it was due to her slightly masculine job. The feel of teeth against her skin caused every nerve in her body to come alive. It was a guaranteed arousal spike, but it wasn’t something she was comfortable asking for. She teased his lips with her tongue and she licked and stroked him in equal measure. He groaned into her mouth and took control of the kiss with a deepening pressure. He wrapped an arm around her and tilted her to her back, following her down. He rubbed his body against hers in a slow slide. “Welcome home, Lili Ann Baker.” She lifted her hips against him, pleading 40

Viola Grace without words. He used what his Wyoran ancestors had given him in the form of his prehensile member and worked it against her until her liquid honey allowed him to slip inward. Her breath escaped on a low moan as he increased his motions and rubbed against her gspot. It was a mystery as to how that evolutionary trick came to pass, but the Wyorans were able to move their penis in any direction or pattern that they chose. Bless them. The blend of red and black in his eyes burned into her own pale blue gaze as he moved inside her. She planted her feet flat against the bed and arched against him, her nails raking down his back and digging into his buttocks. He arched his back, thrusting deep, triggering a shivering, electric orgasm that caused every nerve to light up as power ran through her and into him. As he arched and howled against her, he gave the power back to her stronger than it had been. The energy did circuits and when she looked up, it was the black gaze of Arengar controlling the body of Yavoy, thrusting and retreating once again. He withdrew for a moment, rolling her to her stomach and then, he drew her up on her knees. He thrust into her from behind, pressing deep until she could swear that he was thickening even more. 41

Ascent She groaned and rocked against him, whimpering when he didn’t move. Lili Ann rocked back and forward on him, moving her hips gently until he was almost out before swivelling her buttocks against him. She kept her rhythm until her arms threatened to buckle under her. She was so close to the edge that one more impalement would see her over the edge, but she couldn’t make herself do it. His hands caressed her back and reached under her to lift her up against him. With a few adjustments, she was sitting on his cock astride his lap, her feet tucked next to his and his hands cupping her breasts, pulling her back to his chest. Arengar held her tight as he started to move inside her without shifting his hips. He churned against her, within her and her breath came hard and fast as his mouth trailed down the side of her neck. He muttered something dark in a dialect she couldn’t translate and bit down, marking her skin with his teeth while he locked her in place. A low quivering started in his entire body and when his cock jerked inside her, she opened her eyes wide as Arengar poured into her, lighting her humanity on fire. She stretched and winced before she realise that there was no pain, no aches, nothing but a 42

Viola Grace complete sense of well-being. “Good morning, tart.” The grouchy woman from the night before came in with a breakfast tray set for one. She blinked in surprise and sat up, Yavoy still in bed next to her, looking like a study in contrasts. There was a slight smile on his chiselled lips and she liked to think that she had played a part in putting it there. “Good morning, crab.” The woman jerked back in shock. “How dare you speak to me in such a way, with you and him carrying on like that last night.” She looked the woman in the eye and Arengar surged forward. “She is deserving of respect, Gatih.” Lili Ann fought the urge to rub her eyes as the change became visible. It was the oddest feeling, like when she looked into a bright light and her irises contracted, only less chance of tears. “Have you left him so soon then, Arengar? Why? He was a good Avatar for you.” Yavoy stirred. “I am in both of them, Gatih. My prime Avatar has a partner. He will no longer be alone.” “Of course, Arengar. Miss, please pardon my calling you a tart.” “I will have you make up for it later, Gatih. For now, what is on that tray?” 43

Ascent “Breakfast for the Ava…for sir.” “Hand it over, Gatih. He can find his own food.” She chuckled at the woman’s scandalized expression as she reached out for the tray. Yavoy chuckled and sat up, pulling his white silken hair over one shoulder. “We will share.” Gatih bobbed a quick curtsey and left the room shaking her head. Yavoy leaned over and examined the contents of the tray. “Oh, my favourites.” He tried to take a bite, but Lili Ann slapped his hand. “I wasn’t kidding about me going first.” He looked at the tray and it lifted to hover above Lili’s legs. He tackled her and she was bound with the same bands of energy that held the tray. With delicate deliberation, he took pieces of fruit off the tray and placed them on her body. A line of small berries marched from her collarbone to her navel, circled it and then continued between her thighs. He placed a larger berry against her lips and freed her right arm so she could feed herself. “There, now you eat breakfast your way and I will eat it in mine.” She was slowly chewing the berry, her head propped up on the pillow when he reached for a small jar from the tray. She let out a garbled, “Hey!” but he simply poured the substance over 44

Viola Grace her breasts in a thin line and then trailed it over all the berries. Chuckling, he put the jar aside and started his breakfast. She whimpered as he ate each of the tidbits he had place on her and when he realised that her mouth was empty, he placed another piece of fruit against her lips. It was by far the most interesting use of a fruit plate that Lili Ann had ever experienced.

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Chapter Seven fter breakfast was over and she had recovered use of her limbs, she joined him in the shower and cleaned up after his meal. She had to admit, he had consumed almost all of the syrup and every berry that he had place on and in her body. “I hope you don’t expect to wake up like that every morning.” She smiled as he soaped her spine. “Once a week will be fine. And during full moons and holidays.” His low tone sent a shiver through her. He pressed kisses on the bite marks he had left during the night and the contact spurred a memory that left her weak-kneed. “What am I going to wear? Or are there clothes left behind by one of your previous tarts?” She twitched her lips. It was unrealistic to hope that he had been pining for a true match. She certainly hadn’t let any opportunities pass in her own love life, so

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Viola Grace there was no excuse for enacting a double standard. “You can wear something of mine. I have a few Haldis-style robes that will swamp you, but they should cover what you wish.” He was working on her hair. The thick lather had the rich scent of those niabbru flowers. “Do you use those flowers in everything?” Her nipples tingled as the foam sluiced over her breasts. “This bottle was saved for a special occasion. Gatih must have brought it out of my private supplies.” She laughed. “She doesn’t like me.” “She will. But many of the women here have sought my bed in the hopes of gaining some sort of political or fiscal advantage.” “Sex for money or power. Got it.” She groaned as the water pounded on the muscles that had had a little more exercise than usual that morning. “It is a rough summation but fairly valid. Does it bother you?” She turned in his arms and they slipped as the soap and shampoo coated them. “I am yours from this day forward.” “I am yours from this day forward.” “Then let’s leave the past in the past. You are not the only one to have taken advantage of entertainment opportunities when they were 47

Ascent offered.” She laughed at his surprised and jealous expression. “I had not thought of that. How many lovers do you have flying around the stars?” She laughed. “I haven’t counted and I don’t think you really want to know.” He shuddered. “No, I don’t think I do.” She went up on her toes and pressed a kiss to his frown. “Come along, Yavoy. You have to tell me what our day consists of on a regular basis.” “I would rather spend the day in bed.” “I think it would be fun as well, but I am still getting used to having the feel of Arengar in my system. How long did it take you to adjust to him?” Yavoy’s smile was rueful. “About a month.” “Then give me at least a day. We can revisit the idea of an entire day of electric sex at a later time.” “I will hold you to that.” He chuckled and parted her lips with his, sliding his tongue into her mouth and toying with hers. She returned the kiss, enjoying the hard muscular wall of his chest against her breasts and his strong arms around her. Her blood started to pound in her veins and she was up on her toes, rubbing her belly against the hard column of his rampant erection. Lili was just raising her thigh to wrap her leg around his hips when there was a knock on the door. 48

Viola Grace “Avatars, there is a matter of urgency in the city that you need to attend to. You are both requested.” Yavoy sighed and caressed her thigh where it rested on his. “I suppose we should go and dry off.” “I suppose so, but what the hell could be going on that I would be requested? I have been an Avatar less than a day.” She leaned back and the water cascading from the fixture swirled between them and pooled where Yavoy was still holding them tightly together. “I don’t know, but that sort of thing usually involves a matter of planetary risk.” Lili chuckled, “You will have to let go of me if we are to dry off to attend to this.” He sighed while he lowered her thigh. “You are no fun.” She snorted. “That isn’t what you were thinking last night.” His grin replaced the disappointed sigh almost immediately. “True. Very well. Let’s get you into something suitable and from there, we can proceed with whatever they need us to involve ourselves in.” She stepped back, finished rinsing the last of the soap from her hair and body and reached for a towel. Allow me. 49

Ascent Arengar’s voice in her mind startled her, but the heat that suddenly blasted from her skin, drying her completely, was amazing. Her hair lifted and fell in a smooth and pale cloak down her spine. Yavoy’s body was drying in the same way as hers was. “Okay, Yavoy, where are those robes?” He flew them back to the city and they landed directly on the administration building’s front step. Yavoy put her gently on her feet and she took his arm to walk with him inside the building. The elaborate robe that she was wearing was a long jacket for her companion. On her, it fell to her ankles and it was belted with the smoky wrap from her previous night’s bodice. The embroidery stiffened the fabric to the point where it felt like she was wearing heavy silk armour. It was not a bad idea for her first appearance as Arengar’s secondary Avatar. Armour could come in handy if any of Yavoy’s ex-lovers objected. The Jerican stepped aside as they walked to the council chambers. None of the people glared at her, though there were several curious gazes sent her way. Within the council chamber, Hon was waiting with the other twenty councillors of Geko 7. 50

Viola Grace There was a spot for the Avatar and this was where Yavoy headed. He helped her to seat herself and stood at her side. Lili shivered as she felt Arengar swell in her thoughts. She heard her voice and Yavoy’s speaking as one. “You have called and I have come. What do you need, Jerican?” The councillors nodded and Councillor Hon stood. “Our harvest is under way, but we have received a message from Jerican that has disturbed us.” “Speak. What is the message?” “They are demanding a tithe for their assistance in the supplying of our colony.” The councillors murmured in anger. Arengar nodded both their heads. “How much are they demanding?” “Fifty percent.” Councillor Hon nodded. “That is unacceptable. Bring them up on the screens.” Arengar was irritated and Lili could only sit back in her own body to try to keep herself busy. She wondered if Yavoy was doing the same thing in his own mind. The conversation was very one sided. The Jerican representative insisted that half the harvest for the first twenty years was owed to the home world of the colony and nothing that Arengar 51

Ascent could say would stop them from coming to take their due. The moment that the connection was cut, Lili was enjoying the first stirrings of a plan. Arengar, what do the Jerican ships look like? I don’t know. Can you find out? I am having a thought and I need that information to flesh it out. “My Avatar requires the information of the ships that your people will bring.” Councillor Hon blinked. “Pardon, Avatar?” “The ships. She requires the style of ships for some reason. I can see some of her way of thinking and it is a fascinating idea.” Councillor Hon brought up a data screen and rapidly did a search. The cargo ship displayed was huge and cumbersome…and perfect. Arengar smiled with both of his Avatars, “Gentlemen, we have a plan.”

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Chapter Eight

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wo weeks later…

Lili smiled as she watched the Jerican collectors load the last of their tithe onto their ship. “Please sign this document confirming the receipt of the payload, please.” The captain of the ship came forward and signed and pressed his thumb to the data pad. “I would stand back if I were you, we are a little messy when we take off.” Lili inclined her head. “Of course. Have a good trip. It is all up to you now.” She walked away with a swing to her hips and a grin on her lips. Yavoy was busy keeping the councillors calm and in the council chambers, so Lili was free to enact her part of the plan. She was wearing a skirt that clung to her hips and a floaty top that barely covered her breasts if she lifted her arms. 53

Ascent Arengar had given her a few alterations. Her hair was now the same pale silver as Yavoy’s and her body had a complimentary musculature that drove him nuts while he was inside her. She now had the control to ripple her channel up and down his shaft without moving any other muscles. She had chuckled at Yavoy’s surprise when she had straddled him to use her new skill last night. With single-minded purpose, she absently watched the Jerican cargo ship lift off, its payload safely on board. She hiked the skirt up and tucked the leading edge into her waistband so that she would be unencumbered when she climbed the outer hull of the H’dar. Lili whistled idly as she typed in the pass code and dropped into her ship. She sealed the hatch and wandered to the cockpit, her skirt still hiked. Are you sure this will work? Arengar asked her as she started up her ship and did the pre-flight checks. Well, they are in possession of it now. With no contract between the Jerican and the colonists, they have engaged in an act of piracy. I am simply going to retrieve our goods. I will be with you. Lili smiled. I know. Now hold on, this is not a comfortable trip. It has been a long time since I have sent my consciousness off my surface. Keep yourself safe, or 54

Viola Grace Yavoy will be forced to come after you and he would not be happy when he found you. You think he would miss me? I know he would miss you. You are rapidly becoming his focal point and I could not be happier. Solitary Avatars get broody. She laughed and took the controls in her hands. Here I go. Wish me luck. Her ascent was not smooth, but she was less than half an hour behind the larger Jerican ship. She had caught a few floating cargos before, but never one that was moving under its own power. This would be a challenge, not only for the ship but also for her. The countermeasures that the H’dar carried were not designed to zap a ship for capture. Lili whistled as she followed the cargo ship and when she was within range, she fired. The pulse wrapped around the ship with energy and displays indicated that the cargo vehicle was on emergency power. The H’dar moved over the cargo ship, matching its speed and trajectory before extending the claspers. The cargo vehicle was under her ship and tight against its belly in under half an hour. With a delicate manoeuvring of her thrusters, she aimed the ships for Geko 7. A wee little adventure and it was time to go home. 55

Ascent She hoped that the cargo vessel’s emergency systems were in good shape, because there was no way for her to help them with minor or major repairs. A flick of her fingers and all outgoing messages were blocked. She spoke in her thoughts. Can you tell Yavoy that I am on my way back? This is going to be an ugly landing, so I will need a nice spot to set down where there are few if any living beings. Arengar’s voice was smooth and calm. It was amazing how it sounded like Yavoy, but there were dozens of different emotions behind it. We are waiting for you. I have sent you the coordinates for the northern desert. You will disturb nothing there. Thank you. With the image of her landing zone in her thoughts, she programmed the H’dar and held onto the controls as she passed the moons and returned to her world. Like many Terrans, once she had adapted to the idea of never being able to go home, the urge to settle down and live a quiet life all her own had risen to the fore. With the alterations that the Alliance had engaged in when they first arrived, the capacity for change had been exploited as much as it could be. Spatial recognition was her skill, the thing that got their attention and allowed her her spot in the Volunteer collection. 56

Viola Grace Two thousand people had been chosen and to everyone’s shock, over sixty-five percent were women. When pressed, the Alliance representatives had given them the only answer that they could. The women would adapt better. They were more apt to try to fit into the society as opposed to the men who would try to remake Terra somewhere out in the Alliance. A Terran colony was not a bad idea as ideas went, but humans needed to prove their place and their abilities first. If they couldn’t adapt, they would never survive or thrive. Lili got her mind out of her reminiscences and focussed on landing the H’dar. It was awkward at the best of times. This was going to be a bear. The northern desert was a flat and barren plain and with all of her concentration, Lili brought the ship in for a slow and relatively sedate landing. As they shuddered to a halt, she sighed in relief. Yavoy was hovering outside the ship and he had a furious scowl on his face. The moment she popped her head out of the hatch, he grabbed her arm and hauled her out of her ship. “Why didn’t you tell me what you were going to do?” “I thought Arengar would. He was with me the whole way.” “Well, he didn’t. He is good at keeping secrets if he thinks I will get upset.” 57

Ascent She tugged at her skirt until it swirled around her ankles again. “Were you upset?” “I was pissed off. I had no idea what you were really up to until the H’dar lifted off and Arengar told me to keep calm.” She chuckled. “Can you deliver the shuttle?” “I can. Twelve will fit on board, but it will be snug. We have explained the situation to the Sector Guard and they are waiting in the city for your signal. They will take the extortionists home.” Lili sighed happily. “Can you take me home, Yavoy? I am a little tired.” He caught her in his arms and lifted her high against his chest. She could feel the warmth of his hands through the thin fabric she was wearing. “I will. But this will be a long journey so hold tight.” She translated it in her mind—he was going to zip along a magnetic line as quickly as he could. Her clothing would be torn and her hair wild when they arrived. She didn’t mind one bit.

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Chapter Nine t their apartments in the city, Lili took a long shower while they waited to get news from the council. Yavoy was watching her with a harsh expression on his face. “What is the scowl for, Yavoy?” “You pirated that ship.” “I repossessed the fruits of Geko 7. They signed a statement that indicated they knew they were engaged in a seizure of property from the surface of this world. Reclaiming the harvest once they had taken possession was within our rights.” I do like the way you think, Lili. Arengar’s voice was amused. “Did he say something to you as well just now?” She finished rinsing her ivory hair and shut off the taps, drying herself with the increase in skin temperature and fluffing of her hair. “Yes. He enjoyed your plot. He thought it was very creative and an excellent solution.” What is

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Ascent your problem with it?” “I didn’t know about it. It came as quite a shock when he informed me that you were crashing the ship in the northern desert.” She slid out of the shower and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I am sorry, but your poker face doesn’t hold up, love. We had to make sure that you were as shocked as the others. The Jerican have a recorder in the council chambers.” He wove his hands through her hair and tugged her head back. “How did you figure that out?” “There had to be. All these years the Jerican have been producing smaller amounts of food and yet their home world made no attempt to acquire it. We have done a bug sweep and it has become obvious that there is a listening device wired to the bottom of the Avatars’ seats.” “When were you two going to tell me that?” She smiled up at him brightly. “Now?” “So, for two weeks, you have kept this secret from me?” “No. We only found the device yesterday. It stopped me from filling you in on the entirety of the plot.” She sighed and realized his problem. “I am sorry. I should have trusted that you could keep a straight face.” He closed his eyes and opened them, Arengar taking up half the visible space. “He is a little 60

Viola Grace irritated, but he understands. He just doesn’t like it.” She sighed and stroked Yavoy’s face. “I didn’t want the Jerican here to think less of him. Have you shared the other option with him, Avengar?” Yavoy’s red eyes cleared. “It is an intriguing idea. Do you think it will work?” She smiled. “Let me get dressed and we can go to the com centre to file the paperwork.” He chuckled. “Don’t put something on for my sake. I enjoy our contrasts.” She sighed and looked at his current clothing choice, a white shirt, flowing leather vest and matching trousers and boots. He stood out no matter where he was, but his white cascade of hair was the ideal accessory. Lili laughed at the image of her wearing nothing but black bands over essential areas and batted it away. The black bands were Yavoy’s arms and he was holding her pressed to him. The bleed through of his fantasies was becoming more common and more detailed as their bond increased in intensity. Reluctantly, she pushed free of his embrace and went into the bedroom, seeking an appropriate outfit for the momentous occasion that was about to occur. She selected the three-piece crystalline outfit that consisted of the breast band, skirt and cloak 61

Ascent that made the whole thing barely decent. She still looked like a Companion, but at least she demanded attention. Lili brushed her hair one more time before smiling up at Yavoy. “Ready when you are.” He laughed and offered her his arm. Together, they walked down the halls, past their guards and toward the administration building. Yavoy looked down at her. “Do you honestly think that this is going to work?” “I am fairly sure that it will. I have done a ton of research on allowable restrictions for planets and colonists and we are within our rights to insist on this.” “Good. We are just getting started here. I want to make our future as bright as it can possibly be.” Lili warmed as it was obvious that he was not referring to the colonists. He was referring to her and she smiled as they entered the com station and took their seats. The Azon ambassador was the first to appear, Amy Tyrell of the Haldis Imperium popped in next, her eyes sleepy and in her pyjamas. An Ontex came up on the fourth screen and once he was there, Yavoy gave a nod to the controller and the Jerican representative came into full view. “What is the meaning of this? Where is our transport?” The Jerican rep went on the attack and Lili had 62

Viola Grace to smile at the man’s behaviour playing right into Arengar’s hands. She gave up her body to the planet and Yavoy did the same. **** With one voice from two throats, Arengar spoke. “The Jerican have no claim upon the contents of that transport, nor the vehicle itself. It is being kept as a penalty for thievery.” The three witnesses were attentive. “What? Those are our colonists. The fruits of their labours belong to us. You have no right.” He was spluttering and turning a dark blue. “As you have never dealt with a living world, I will explain. We can and will hold that ship in perpetuity. I provided the soil, the rain, the minerals and seeds. The people on Geko 7 are no longer members of the planets that they left. They are mine now. I claim the population upon my soil as mine and henceforth, they will be known as the Gekkan.” “You can’t do that!” Arengar smiled with both his faces. “I can and I have. Please see Alliance precedents. Any personnel landing and living on the surface of a sentient world can become possessions of that world at its discretion. I am exerting that option 63

Ascent now.” Terran Representative Amy Tyrell started typing frantically and then she smiled. “You are correct. All personnel living on a sentient world for more than twenty-four hours become accessible to that planet in any manner that he/she sees fit. This is not limited to enforced colonization but extends to the role of Avatar.” The Azon Ambassador nodded. “The rulings are quite clear. It is up to the colony world to negotiate the terms before landing and settling in. If this was not done, your people now belong to Arengar.” The Ontex agreed. “I am afraid so. You have no recourse. Your colonists belong to him now.” The Jerican representative was almost foaming at the mouth. “That was not our agreement, Arengar.” “You brought your people, moved into my city and only then did you bother making any overtures to my Avatar. Too little, too late. We will return all personnel on the transport to you, but I am afraid that the ship itself is lost.” He made a strangled noise. “What?” “The ship is locked in rocky tendrils. It had to land in a semi-volcanic area and it is bound up as a result.” Arengar inclined his head and smiled. “Please have a good afternoon, Representative. We are still in the middle of our harvest and time 64

Viola Grace is precious.” Amy Tyrell was grinning as the Jerican rep fell into foul language and threats. Arengar nodded and the offensive man was cut off. “Thank you for your witnessing, Representative.” The Ontex rep inclined his head. “He will file an appeal, but this exchange is already in the archives. He does not have a basis for contesting your decision. Be well, Arengar.” The Azon ambassador grinned. “Enjoy it. Triumph against the Jerican is always sweet.” He flicked off his monitor and they were left facing Amy Tyrell. The Consort looked at Lili’s body and asked, “Is she happy?” Arengar inclined her head. “She is. She has a very good time winding my other Avatar up. Between irritation and frustration, it is a good thing that they liked each other before they joined, or he would have strangled her by now.” Amy grinned. “That sounds familiar. Does he love her?” Arengar tilted both their heads. “He cannot imagine a day without her, nor she without him. Am I correct in thinking that is love?” “It is close enough. Call me if you need anything, I will send a message to the Sector Guard to put you on their patrol and contact 65

Ascent schedule. The Jerican will not give up that easily.” Arengar grimaced. “I am aware. I am preparing for whatever they bring, but their people are mine now.” “Have a good evening, Arengar. Wish Lili a good night for me.” Amy waved farewell and disconnected the call. Arengar stood and walked to the centre of the room. He nodded to the com officer and took in a deep breath before speaking with two throats and one voice. “Ladies and gentlemen of Geko 7. Today I have declared you mine. Your ties to Jerican have been cut and any and all who do not wish to continue to live on my skin may leave immediately. “From this moment on, you are Gekkans, the people of Geko 7, beholden to no parent planets or governments. You are your own people now and you will live the lives you want for yourself, your children and their children. “For those of you who do not yet know, I have two Avatars now and each brings an emotional awareness to the circumstances of our situation. Nothing and no one will part Yavoy and Lili and anyone who tries will have to deal with me. “Now, continue with your harvests, live your lives and come to my Avatars when you have a need that the planet can provide. Thank you and have a good evening, people of Geko 7.” 66

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Chapter Ten he moment that the com officer indicated that the image was off, Arengar left Lili’s body. She slumped slightly only to be caught and held upright by Yavoy. “That was quite the speech.” She smiled and held onto him as he walked them out the door. “It was. Are you prepared for the aftermath?” “Sure. I am always up for a challenge, in or out of bed.” Her legs were wobbly and she was walking slowly, her slippers making small noises on the stone of the hallway. “Some of the population won’t like it.” “I know and they can leave. We are not telling them to forget where they have come from, merely to embrace where they have chosen to live.” “It isn’t always easy to cut oneself off from home.” She lifted her chin and stared him down. “It is the hardest thing in the world, but when you have cut the tie, all that remains is the possibility of a

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Ascent new home in the future. That is what you have to work toward. That is what you have to strive for— the chance of a better day.” He was silent for three blocks of walking. “You are very much a romantic, aren’t you?” She blushed. It was amazing that she could still blush after all that they had done together, but there was nothing like a few words of admiration to make her a giddy girl. They passed a few people with trolleys who were under the watchful eyes of their guard. The women giggled and laughed before scuttling away with their carts. The guards gave her knowing looks as she passed and her eyebrows started to climb as she wondered what the heck was going on. She pressed her palm to their doorplate and as it slid back, the scent of niabbru flowers hit her in a glorious wave. “What?” She took a few steps into the room and took in the soft petals on every flat surface as well as a thick carpet of them on the bed. “What is all this?” Yavoy took a few steps toward her and pressed a kiss to her forehead, cheeks, nose and lips. “We skipped the courtship out of necessity, so I am making up for it.” “You thought this up?” “Arengar helped. He had to keep it from you, 68

Viola Grace so he kept you asleep while the arrangements were made.” She fought the tears that were threatening, but they started slipping down her cheeks regardless. “This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.” He kissed her tears away and unclasped the front of her cloak. “I am very sorry for that, but I will make it up to you.” She smiled weakly and lunged up to kiss him, her lips tangled with his and she used a flick of power to drop him to his back on the bed. The scent of crushed blossoms filled the air and lit her body on fire from within. It was their first night with a new world order and it need to be celebrated. Waking covered with flower petals and the scent of sex clinging to every part of her, she smiled. It had been a very good night and it looked to be a better day. Yavoy wasn’t in bed with her, but there was already a platter of breakfast waiting for them. He came out of the bathroom and wandered to the tray, picking up two objects and smiling. “Congratulations, we have made the first official holiday of Geko 7.” As he approached her with the berries and syrup, her body warmed and laughter bubbled 69

Ascent from within. It was going to be a much better day indeed.

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About the Author Viola Grace was born in Manitoba, Canada where she still resides today. She really likes it there. She has no pets and can barely keep sea monkeys alive for a reasonable amount of time. Her line of day job tends to be analytical which leaves her mind hopping to weave stories. No co-worker is safe from her character analysis. In keeping with busy hands are happy hands, her hobbies have included cross-stitch, needlepoint, quilting, costuming, cake decorating, baking, cooking, metal work, beading, sculpting, painting, doll making, henna tattoos, chain mail, and a few others that have been forgotten. It is quite often that these hobbies make their way into her tales. Viola’s fetishes include boots and corsetry, and her greatest weakness is her uncontrollable blush. Her writing actively pursues the Happily Ever After that so rarely occurs in nature. It is an admirable thing and something that we should all strive for. To find one that we truly like, as well as love.