“Greetings âme soeur,” the voice said coldly. “Much time has passed since you disappeared.”
“Mena,” Ajaska responded coolly.
“So, you remember me?” The tall female said with a sarcastic chuckle. “Why are you here?”
“My son has been taken prisoner,” Ajaska responded harshly. “I have no quarrels with the Elpidios but I do with Tai Tek and those responsible for his abduction.”
The light blue skinned female rose slowly from the center chair. Torak looked at his father with a raised eyebrow of inquiry before he turned back to the commander of the Elpidios warship. He stepped closer to his father, standing just to his right and behind him in silent support.
“Another of your sons?” Commander Mena Rue stated looking at Torak with clear, intelligent eyes. “Did your father tell you he was mated to not one but three Elpidios warriors at one time before he disappeared?”
The tightening around Torak’s mouth was the only indication that he did not know. Commander Mena Rue’s lips twisted into a smirk before she looked Ajaska up and down. She felt a shiver run through her as she thought back to the few hours of pleasure she had enjoyed with the huge Kassis warrior almost forty years before. She wondered at the time if it had been her imagination or the excessive drink that made the memory more than it really was but as she stared at the broad chest, she had to secretly admit it was neither.
“What proof do you have that the Kassisan councilman has your son?” Commander Mena Rue asked sharply.
“My son is there,” Ajaska bit out in response without answering her question.
Mena didn't point out that obvious fact. She had a squadron of warships to think about instead of a misplaced soul mate who had been nothing more than a one night stand many years ago. Her commanding officer had ordered her to secure the needed crystals that the Kassisan had promised. Their world was dying and needed the energy the crystals could give to work the necessary shields to protect it from the radiation that was slowly killing it. They had a way of preventing the death of the planet. What they did not have was the energy source to do it. She had been told to not return unless she had at least one supply ship filled with the life-giving energy crystals. Tai Tek had approached the leader of her world with a promise. In return for their help in ridding the corrupted ruling family of Kassis, he would give them access to all the crystals they would ever need. She had been skeptical about the man’s promise. Hell, she didn’t even like him and neither did the Supreme Admiral but the Grand Ruler had ordered the mission.
Now, she was faced with a deadly armed force that out matched hers. If she refused, she could probably take out a few of the ships but there was no doubt in her mind that she would lose all of hers. She studied the huge male and his son and knew that they would fight to the death to retrieve their missing family member. Her eyes shifted to another figure that came up from behind the two men standing in front of the viewport. Her eyes widened in surprise as a petite female with the dark blue eyes of their oceans moved to stand near the younger version of Ajaska. Something about the female tugged at a distant memory. Mena's frown turned even darker as the knowledge stayed just out of her reach.
“Since when do the Kassis allow females aboard their warships?” Mena asked with a raised eyebrow.
“That is not what is important right now,” Ajaska said straightening to his full height as worry for Jazin's safety pressed down on him. “Is Tai Tek on board one of your ships?”
Mena looked at the dark fury burning in the eyes of the Kassis leader and decided right then and there she would not oppose him. Getting herself and those under her killed would not get them the desperately needed power crystals. Besides, something was telling her that the Elpidios Grand Ruler was talking to the wrong Kassisan if he wanted them. She relaxed her stance to show less aggression in the hopes that they would be able to get out of this alive.
“No, he was aboard his own ship and has already returned to the surface,” Mena said. “The Elpidios have no quarrel with you, Lord Ajaska. We were merely concluding a transaction for crystals that our world desperately needs. If you need assistance in securing your son, I offer myself and my ships in support.”
“I appreciate the offer but do not think it will be necessary,” Ajaska responded coolly. “Let your Grand Ruler know that if he wants to negotiate for crystals to contact my son, Torak, or myself,” Ajaska added harshly. “Tai Tek is a traitor to our world. He will be executed for his part in trying to assassinate the royal family. The same goes for any other who think to harm the Royal House of Kassis.”