Starlight Gleaming Ch. 18

"What marine lieutenant?" I demanded.

She stopped. "Lieutenant Terapan. You know him?"

"We've met. What happened to him?"

"Recovering. He was poisoned like you. Humph. Are you going to drink up? Because if not, I can come back in -" she looked at her watch - "about two hours."

I drank as much as I could. "All right. Where's the latrine?"

"Commander, this is the navy. It's called the head." Moving to a corner of the room, she flung back a curtain to reveal a toilet. She lifted the lid, and then did a dramatic flourish.

Taking a breath, I stood up. Was a little wobbly, but then straightened.

Janetta started to move, but the nurse bellowed, "Stop! Let him move on his own. It's part of the assessment. He may be weak, but I need to see his motor control demonstrated."

Taking another breath, I walked slowly over. Lifting the flimsy gown, I took cock in hand and pissed. When I was done, I shook the end. Let the gown back down.

The nurse looked me over, wrote some notes onto the chart. "All right. Light duty for two days. Plenty of fluids. You can go home after checking out at Discharge, right next to Reception on the first floor. Clothes are in that cabinet, such as they are. Good night, Commander. Captain."

The nurse exited the room.

Janetta brought me my underwear, shorts, and tee-shirt from the cabinet. As I reached for them, she yanked them back.

"What are you doing, Janetta?"

"I should make you walk home in that hospital gown. While you were out, the clouds came it and it's been raining since nightfall." She went over to a chair against the wall. "Lieutenant Fortri said these were yours. They were from your locker. He's waiting outside with the others. He has your pistols and your belt knife."

"Testing me again?"

"Always. Zinja's outside, waiting for us. I made the rest of them wait at home. When we get there, you best be prepared to be mobbed. And you better spend some time with your girls, especially Sisi. She and Ixma watched the fight, and they saw you collapse and get carried out."

I pulled up my underwear. "All right. Have I told you lately that I love you?"

Nodding, she said, "Yes, you told me around dawn this morning. But it's always nice to hear, especially from the man I love. Even though you are a shitload of complications."

Buttoning up my shirt, I smiled at her. She handed me my trousers and I stepped into them. Tucked my shirt in and zipped up. Secured the belt. Yawned and my stomach rumbled.

"What time is it?"

"It's ten past twenty-three hundred."

"Don't you have air duty in the morning?"

"Yes. What about it?"

"I need to get you home and into bed."

"Rather presumptive, don't you think? I prefer to be kissed before I let a man into my bed."

I reached for the socks and wobbled.

"Sit down and let me help. Foot up." She slipped a sock on, then put on my shoe. Slapped her thigh. "Next one." She put the other sock and shoe on.

"You know what I meant." I stood up and she handed my my cap and neckerchief.

"I do know what you meant. You're my ground support. I'm here because I love you, and the thought of losing you scared the holy fucking shit out of me. You're my man. I'm your woman. Everything else fades away when you're inside me, but the overwhelming presence of you. I might cry again later, but don't worry about it. They might cry, too, when they see you. You're all right and we're going home. That's all that matters."

Snagging her with my hand, I pulled her in.

"You really are the most beautiful woman in the world. My fierce, perfect Warrior."

Her arms went around my neck, her head tilted back and we kissed. Long, slow, and gentle. Tongues touching briefly. It was more about reassurance for us both. The heat would come later.

She grabbed my gym clothes and we left the room.

Pen was waiting outside with Zinja, accompanied by an escort of four troopers. He started to move, but Zinja cut him off, putting her hands onto my arms, scanning me over. A quick glance to her officer. Janetta nodded, and Zinja wrapped her arms around me, embracing me tight, her hot lips on mine.

The guards grinned. Pen laughed and shook his head.

Hugging her close, I nuzzled Zinja, murmuring. "It's all right now, Farm Girl." A shudder, and a long exhale as she let go of her fears.

Sniffing, she hugged me again. Then pulling back, she wiped at her eyes, doing her best to compose herself. Janetta gave her shoulder a brief squeeze. As if by silent agreement, they moved to either side of me.

Pen stepped in. We shook hands, then leaned in for a quick clap to each other's back.

"Nice to see you back up on your feet, Commander." He was still wearing his own casual wear, bronze tee-shirt with the gold lettering espousing Copán War Base, black shorts and brown deck shoes. Worry lines teased at his brown eyes.

"It's good to be back, Pen. So what happened after I passed out?"

"You gave us quite a scare, Commander. Jay drove like a maniac trying to get you here. Ground Security gave us three cruisers as escort, notifying the marines, so we blew right through the gate." Then he looked serious. "At one point you stopped breathing. Before I could start rescue breathing, you started breathing on your own again. Slow, but steady."

"Thank you. Words cannot convey proper thanks, but thank you, Warrior." Calia?

He nodded. "We're brothers in arms. It's what we do."

We made our way to the elevators. All of us squeezed in.

Pen resumed speaking. "Captain Lovyanchiti stayed as long as she could, but she went back to untangle some of the mess at HQ. Jay hadn't been to bed yet, and finally went to his place to get a few hours rack time before start of shift tonight." He glanced at his watch. "I guess he's at work now."

I nodded. "And the general?"

"It was clear you were beating him. What I'm telling you now came from Captain Lovyanchiti. After the general wounded Terapan, he was restrained, none too gently by marines and security troopers. The general's bodyguards drew weapons and tried to fight their way to him. Some blood was spilt, but they were overwhelmed and cut down.

"After order was restored, General Rikoletsi ordered the media people to replay the fight. He consulted with Commander Barankoshto, and she pronounced you the clear winner. Because of the weapons and the poison, it was clear the base commandant had intended to kill you all along. General Rikoletsi relieved him of his command and placed him under arrest. Before anyone could stop him, the commandant impaled the spikes in his braid into the palm of his hand, committing suicide. General Rikoletsi is now in command of High Guard, pending a decision by the War Minister."

The doors opened and we exited, heading over to Discharge to check out. The young naval clerk looked at me in surprise, then brought up my record on her computer. Flushing a bit, she said, "Congratulations on your victory, Commander." When I raised my eyebrows, she nodded with her head to the large entertainment video display in the waiting area. "The Information Office has been broadcasting highlights about the fight and the change of command for the past two hours."

She tapped a few more keys, then had me digitally sign a couple of times. "Dr. Brensoyet has ordered you on light duty for the next two days. After that, unless you have any issues, you are free to resume normal duty. That's it. Have a good night, Commander."

"Thank you," I murmured.

Pen turned to two of the security troopers. "Sokam and Dyandi, you are on duty guarding the Commander till midnight. Inside the premises."

"What's this?" I asked.

"A precaution, Commander," Pen answered. "Just in case the late commandant has operatives that attempt to kill you out of revenge. His family is well-connected and is old money. We don't expect any problems, but Jay suggested it and your Second agreed it was prudent."

"Don't argue, Ranji," Janetta growled at my side. "It's a good move. Thank you, Lieutenant Fortri. Pass along my personal compliments to Lieutenant Raltikon and Captain Lovyanchiti, will you? I am grateful for all that you've done for your commanding officer. Llam nuqam."

Pen flashed suprise, but then grinned. "Llam nuam, Captain. I'll pass along the doctor's orders to your Second, sir."

I smiled. Silence on my part seemed prudent.

Janetta drove us home. Zinja sat in the rear seat next to me, putting her arms around me. The two troopers followed behind us, their warning lights flashing as they escorted us home.

As she paused in the driveway, the ChoCac's AI initiated contact with the house AI.

"Voice recognition confirmed. Welcome home, Captain Tlacotli. Two passengers detected. Who is with you?" The garage door began to lift.

"Zinja and Kandikan." She drove inside and parked. The garage door began to close. Janetta shut off the vehicle and the conversation came from a speaker in the ceiling.

"Greetings Commander and Sergeant Zinja. Welcome home. A vehicle has pulled in behind you. Communicating with Air Security Dispatch. Processing. Confirmed, Air Security Troopers Private Sokam Rellatong and Field Corporal Dyandi Piyet are on site. Is there a safety problem, Captain?"

We got out of the car. Janetta tossed my gym clothes into the laundry basket by the appliances.

"No problem. They are extra security. Please grant them access."

"Processing. Opening front door now. Any instructions, Captain?"

"Hold on." Janetta opened the door to the dining room. "We're back!"

Zinja and I came in behind her.

A sleepy Cholan was at the front door greeting the troopers. Ixma, tired and frayed, jerked awake. Next to her on the couch were the sleeping girls and equally somnolent Calia. Sowitwee and Nariya sharing a large recliner.

Sisi jumped up from the couch and ran to me. "Tenant! Tenant!" She latched onto my legs, stopping me cold. When she started to cry, I almost died inside. Reaching down, I picked her up, and she threw her arms around my neck. "We saw you fighting! You got hurt... and... and... The man said you might die... I was so scared, Tenant! Calia said we needed to pray for you 'cause you needed it."

"Your prayers and your magic hugs worked," I murmured to her. "I love you, Sisi."

I picked her up and she clutched me fiercely.

As we made our way to the front room, everyone got up and came in for hugs and kisses. Mina was half-asleep, so she couldn't protest.

The troopers were introduced, and they were shown around. They went out briefly to do an outside perimeter check, and then settled into the front room. Ixma showed them where the cahault maker was, and then we headed to bed.

The only odd thing was Calia. She'd fallen into such a deep sleep that she barely roused at all when Ixma tried to awaken her. I was tired, but much steadier than before, so I just picked her up and carried her upstairs. Ixma pulled back the blankets, and then removed her sandals. Then we tucked her in.

As everyone else got ready for bed, Ixma and Cholan traded off time with extra kisses and reassurances that I was home and all right. With the lateness of the hour, every one quickly prepared for bed. When Mina and Sisi laid down, Zinja came in and we sang the Farmer Song together, Mina barely conscious. When we were done, another round of goodnight kisses, and I said goodnight. Interestingly, Cholan crawled in behind Calia.

"We were all pretty scared," she explained. "I'd rather not sleep alone tonight."

Zinja and I made our way to the master bedroom. Janetta was finished with her evening toilet and brushed out her hair. Zinja used the bathroom down the hall and I hurried along with my own business. By the time I was done, they were in bed.

Janetta, laying on her back, threw back the blankets, and opening her legs, patted her mound. "Right here, Ranji. I need you inside me."

Grinning, I slipped under the covers and moved over her. The sight of her sweet charms on display aroused me. I started to settle in beside her for some kissing and fondling, but she gave me a few rapid pumps with her hand, then tugged, guiding me over her.

"Inside me. It's late, I'm tired, and I have to get up early, Ranji. I almost lost you tonight. I feel really unsettled. You are my man." Reaching down, she caressed my erection, then spread her legs wider, guiding me to her hairy cleft. "Right there. That's it. Work it in. I don't care about coming. I need you to take me and fill me with your love."

As I pressed deeper into her slick, muscular sheath, I leaned down and kissed her. Working myself further within her clasping grip, I sighed. "You are so beautiful, sometimes it hurts to look at you."

I was worn, but her need for me somehow gave me renewed vigor.

Her legs lifted up and wrapped around me, her legs pulling in with each of my drives into her center. "So good. I love feeling you inside me. It's so big and hot and hard it almost overwhelms me. Ohhh."

Wetness coating my length, I moved easier within her heated folds. Bucking my hips with each thrust to drive my cock even deeper into her pussy.

"Harder, Ranji. Harder!"

Pulling up her legs, I pressed them apart, palms sliding to the back of her thighs, splaying her wide and open. My hips dropped down, slamming against her mound, my length spearing into her yielding, tender center. Lifting up, nearly pulling out, then hammering down. Janetta's eyes widened as sensations thundered through her loins. Her mouth opened, gasping for air. Wonder and love and need crossed her face even as those same emotions filled my heart.

"By the gods!" she husked, her hands moving from my hips to my arms, gripping tight, then digging in.

My balls slapped wetly against her rear, emphasizing each thrust inward. Small cries began to echo back from her, her large black eyes totally focused on me. The world shrank down and it was just the two of us, joined and moving frantically closer to explosive release.

"I love you, Janetta!" I huffed. "And by all the gods, yes, you are mine. Mine!"

Tightness rapidly built and I drove down harder, trying to reach even deeper into her welcoming, slick, intimate center.

I groaned as I swelled inside her, shoving hard into her receptive core, working my hips from side to side as I sprayed my hot essence against the entrance to her womb. Releasing her legs, I settled my weight onto her hips and did my best to get even deeper.

"Oh, gods!" She wrapped her arms and legs around me, working her hips around my pulsing shaft. Her hot searing breath heaving into my neck, she gasped. I felt her pussy begin contracting and releasing around me.

"I love you," I said with a grunt, the final twitches of my balls sending forth the last drops into her depths.

Her mouth found mine and we kissed, tongues touching and dancing, as if trying to mirror the connection at our hips. When we finally broke for air, our hearts still thundering, her hands cupped my face.

"I love you so much, Ranji Kandikan," she said, eyes brimming with tears. "I was so scared I was going to lose you. I don't know if I could go on without you."

The stuttering breath became a choking sob. As she cried, Zinja moved close beside us. Leaning up, she kissed Janetta on the temple.

"Janetta, my brave warrior. Did you not know that sometimes I'm afraid, too? For you, for Zinja and the others. My girls. What we're trying to accomplish. You have such a strong, fierce heart, and I thank you for having the courage to show me your fear. I have been blessed to have you fight beside me in battle. There is no warrior I would rather have than you at my side."

My words calmed her, and she gave me a tearful grin.

Despite my wishes to the contrary, I began to shrink and slip out of her pussy. As we disengaged, Zinja moved down, and surprised us both when she inhaled my flaccid member. Down to the root, she swished once, twice, then let me go with a smack of her lips. Then she moved in between Janetta's legs, licking away.

"Zinja?" Janetta inquired.

Pausing a moment, the tall Oexecan woman said, "I love you, too." Then resumed her loving attention to Janetta's leaking cavity.

"Oh, how I am so corrupted by your perversions," she murmured with a gentle laugh. A sniff, a wipe at her eyes, and then her hands caressed Zinja as she cleaned the woman she loved.

Exhausted, Janetta soon drifted off. Zinja moved up, kissing her lightly on the lips. Then both of us snuggled against her, bracketing her between us. Even the bravest warriors sometimes need reassurance, and the ability to open their heart and share their fears without judgment.

The faint smell of oranges and Janetta filled my senses, and I drifted off.

* * * * *

Part 9 - Light Duty

* * * * *

Slap!

"Get up, Kandikan. Calia's not feeling good, so you need to get up to take care of your daughters."

The hard smack to my bare butt roused me.

I was on light duty today, but out of habit, I got up, shaved and did a quick wash, then dressed in my Class B uniform.

Everyone else was downstairs.

Zinja and Ixma made breakfast and prepared lunches for everyone. Janetta didn't say anything, but as she ate, she paused long enough to give me a heartfelt smile. Everyone had circles under their eyes. I gave her a quick kiss and moved to my place at the table.

Eating rapidly, the women gave me kisses and said their goodbyes. As I hadn't seen Nariya yet, and only Sowitwee briefly, I checked on them.

"She's sick, sir. Headache, and a low fever. So late in her pregnancy, it could become really serious. I think she needs to see a doctor."

"Then so do I," I told him. "I'll arrange a ride for you both, so get your things together, so you can go with her. If any question about payment comes up, give me a call. If you can't reach me, call Sergeant Chita. She has my card number."

"Thank you, sir."

I went to the two troopers, and explained that Sowitwee needed to take his wife to the clinic, and that one of them needed to provide the transportation.

"What about you, Commander?" the corporal asked. "We're here to guard you and your home."

"One of you can stay here to watch the place. In a few minutes, I'm getting my girls up, and after they have breakfast, I'm taking them to school."

"Yes, sir. With all due respect, we'll have to call this in."

"Call it in. I'm still taking my girls to school. And one of you needs to take my aide and his wife to the clinic."

Going upstairs, I checked on Calia before waking my girls. A gentle brush of her wayward locks from her face.

She sighed, her face pale. "I'm sorry I'm no help today."

"Pen said I stopped breathing on the way to the hospital. Before he could start rescue breathing, I started breathing on my own. You did something, didn't you."

"I had to."

"What did you do?"

"I left my body and my spirit linked to yours. My heart beat for yours, until the poison lost its power."

"Oh, sweet, sweet Calia. You continue to amaze me with your generosity and compassion. I fear I do not deserve such love as yours."

She gave a weak smile. "Haven't you learned yet? Love isn't earned or deserved. It's freely given by those who know us. All I want and have ever wanted is the chance to show you how much I love you. Your love is balm for my heart and soul."

A slow, gentle kiss seemed appropriate, and she sighed in appreciation.

"Is there anything I can do to aid your recovery?" I asked.

"More rest, I think."

I woke up my girls and proceeded to get them up. I was totally clueless about the routine, and Sisi promptly corrected my many missteps. I felt like a boot camp trainee under the critical watch of my five-year-old turned DI.