Starlight Gleaming Ch. 20

Pulling on her hips, I shoved into her. Her head dropped and she groaned as I parted her center. Once I was fully ensconced within her tight sheath, I pushed up, getting to my feet so as to have a steeper angle of penetration. While one hand stayed on her hip, the other reached down and snagged a handful of hair.

She gasped, then moaned. Then I settled in for some hard thrusting into her burning center. To keep her noise down, she buried her face into her pillow, trying her best to muffle the cries escaping her mouth. From this steep angle, I rapidly pumped just inside her slick tunnel, working the crown of my cock over that rough patch just inside her. In no time at all, she stiffened as bit by bit her back arched. Then she buried her face in the pillow and screamed, and her pussy began milking me.

Pushing her shoulders down, I changed to long stroking her, doing my best to ram my cock into her as hard as I could. Every dozen strokes or so I changed it up, grinding deep into her, moving side to side. Then back to slamming my hips against her, my cock parting her puffy folds, spearing deep into her heated core. Her hands fisted into the sheets, whimpering as I pounded away.

Just because she needed it, my hand gave her rear cheeks more slaps. Within a few minutes of that, she bucked and shuddered as she came again on me. While her pussy throbbed around my shaft, I ground into her. "That's right, Cholan. You got me hard, so you better take my cock." Another pair of slaps, followed by more pussy clenching. "Take it all!"

She was so responsive, I think she came four or five times in rapid succession. With the last one, panting as her legs gave way, sliding until she lay prone on the bed, my cock still embedded within her. I was close, but from this angle, her convulsing cervix nibbling the underside of my cock's head tipped me over. Grunting, I began spurting, filling her sheath with seed.

"Are you two done yet?" That was Janetta. "It's nearly two-thirty in the morning!"

"I'm sorry. Didn't mean to wake you," I said, grinding myself within Cholan's sodden, squishy center.

"You two have been shaking the bed for twenty minutes now. And my hip hurts again."

"Sorry, Cholan, need to pull out."

"Okay," she gasped, then made a disappointed noise when I withdrew with a wet pop.

I hopped out of bed and went to the bathroom. Searching the medicine cabinet, I found a pair of blockers. I also dug out a large Nu-skin patch, then filled a glass with water.

Moving onto the bed, I handed the tablets to Janetta. She took them, then drank down the water.

When I moved the blanket off her, she asked sharply, "What are you doing?"

"Putting a patch on."

"Don't, Kandikan. I'm fine."

"I don't recall asking you, Janetta. Show me that fine ass of yours, I'll put this on, and then we can all go back to sleep."

"Kandikan--!"

"Captain, please. He's just trying to take care of you." Zinja's words took the fight out of her.

Very gently, I leaned over and kissed her injured hip, removed the backing on the patch, activating its healing properties, and carefully smoothed it over the area. Another light kiss to her bare cheek. Zinja grinned at me.

Once she was doctored, Janetta spooned up behind Zinja and I spooned up behind her. Cholan snuggled up next to me.

* * * * *

Part 10 -- Inspection Day

* * * * *

I dozed for a couple of hours, but never really fell back asleep. Too stressed about everything, I guess. Carefully getting out of bed, I managed to avoid waking up the women.

Getting up, I dressed in my usual work uniform, gathered my gym bag, my rifle case, as well as a Class A in its protective clear-plastic cover. Blowing them a kiss, I stepped out of the bedroom and headed downstairs.

I found Daydo in the front room, watching the television very quietly. Most of the channels were from the Seven Nations, and aware of us, sometimes broadcast shows that were subtitled in Queschuan. Some political things were blocked, but sometimes shows slipped through. Dramas and sports and music were generally allowed.

He saw me and sat up straighter. "Leaving early, my lord?"

"Trouble sleeping. A lot happening today, and not enough time for everything. Yourself?"

"The cot is comfortable, but it's awkward. When I'm in the room, I know they want to be intimate, but that's not something you do in front of one's parent. So after everyone's gone to bed, I often sleep out here. I hope that's not an issue."

"Nope. You make a good argument for me expanding the house. I'll see what the options are. I'm glad you're here, Daydo. Wit was worried about you for the longest time. He missed you. Now that you're here at High Guard, I think he's happier."

"He's a good son. More than I deserve."

"I find that the really good people are those who often think themselves unworthy, yet are loved by those around them, because they give so much of themselves to others."

"Like yourself, my lord?"

I raised my eyebrows.

"If I presumed too much, I'm sorry, my lord."

"No, just curious why you said it."

"I overheard some of your women talking. They love you and worry about you. As you worry about letting them down, they worry they demand too much from you."

"I see. Proving my point, though I didn't expect it to include myself. Look, I'm going to leave a note for Wit. Normally he rides in with me, but since I'm leaving more than an hour earlier, he can catch a ride in with the troopers that take my girls to school. I'll leave him a note, too, but if he asks, you can let him know he has more time this morning."

"I will, my lord."

I went to the end table by the corner, took out a pen and paper, and at the kitchen table, wrote out the note for Sowitwee.

Daydo walked over, waiting while I wrote. When I finished, he said, "Lord Kandikan?"

"Yes?"

"I know I've already said it, but I wish you to know that I appreciate all you've done to free me and my family. And for saving my life. My son and his wife have told me about your earlier generosities, and I wish to thank you for those, too."

I shrugged. "Sowitwee was spared by a friend of mine, and then she assigned him to me. I would be a poor officer if I did not take care of all of those under my command. Still, your words are appreciated. You're welcome, Daydo." Collecting my gear again, I stood up.

"My lord, are we in danger here?"

"Probably." Exhaling, I adjusted the strap on my shoulders. "Not that I intend any of us to be easy targets. I will do everything in my power to protect everyone in my House and in my command. If you are concerned, you and your daughters can disappear. My parents have places where you can start over. I'll provide the funds to help you get your license, tools, and initial supplies."

"You are very generous, Lord. I still wish to remain for a while. If the gods permit, I'd soon like to look upon my grandchild's face."

Nodding, I smiled. "You have a good day, Daydo."

As I walked to the front door, he said, "Safe flight and safe return, Lord Kandikan." A nod to him, and then I was outside.

At the boot, I laid down my gym bag and rifle case, and then laid my uniform out flat. Closing the boot, I got in the vehicle, and headed to work.

I worked for an hour catching up on email. One of those messages was a query to Commander Brenaka at Copán. I asked him how he fared, and asked him to be careful. Then I sent one to Kestral, telling him that if he had any leave time, it might be good to take a few days off. Maybe visit Tikún.

Jay wandered by, knocking on the doorframe of my open door.

"Hi, Jay. How is it going?"

"Ground Security helped finish up the scans on the school a few hours ago. They're sure we can open the school." He looked at his watch. You're here earlier than normal, Ranji. Something else I should know about?"

"Naw. Just couldn't sleep. You ready to break some sweat?"

"Sure. I'll grab my bag."

He waited while I secured my laptop and locked my office.

"Your hand-to-hand skills are integrating better and better," he told me.

"I agree. Memory-implanted book learning seems to process more readily. I think it probably has to do with muscle memory. The knowledge is there, but it takes time to become automatic, and you have to practice at it. It's only been three and half months since I learned Eskirat, and it has only been in the last two that I have been able to devote time on a regular basis."

He grabbed his own gym bag, secured his own office, and we checked out. Two troopers flanked us.

We got into the back of the cruiser, and the two troopers got in front.

"How are you doing?" he asked.

Sighing, I settled into my seat. "There's no getting around it. I already miss them, both as friends and as skilled troopers within my command. Seven hells, I keep expecting to hear Stimmi telling us he's hungry, and then watch him poach food from Yalcamara's lunch plate. I haven't had a chance to mourn them yet. They deserve tears, but not today. In the meantime, we'll have to learn to adjust."

"Yeah. You know we're in the wrong profession if you wanted to live a safe life."

I glanced at him. Totally deadpan. I think he and Doyya have been practicing.

"You should get an award for understatement. Especially when I keep stirring things up. Change of subject. I want to hear more about your take of Pen and his new girlfriend. Or should I say girlfriends? As in plural."

His grin vanished as his eyes widened. "Oh?"

"Part of our enemy's vengeance was murdering Cholan's family. Everyone in their family household in Copán was wiped out, Jay. The parents, the servants. Even the gate watchman. Pen's dinner date became a consolation to both Tanti and her sister, Breena. They were a mess and they wouldn't let him leave. So he stayed the night, comforting both of them."

"How'd they learn about it?"

"Graphic photos of their heads on the dining room table. Bloody scenes in the house of their parents. The deaths were targeted to hurt Cholan and her sisters because Cholan's important to me. Pen's bringing in the photos sent to the sisters when he comes on duty. I have the ones that were sent to Cholan. We'll go over them later. Look for anything we can learn. You haven't seen the video yet, have you? Not sure I want you to. Those images are hard to unsee once they burn into your memory. Supay's been doing illegal human and animal experiments. He's created a race of dog-men. After he had them killed, he let those dog-men eat the dead bodies."

Jay shook his head. "Promise me, that if it's a choice between rescuing dead bodies from desecration and putting troopers in danger, keep the troopers safe. I'm not sure I believe in a soul, and getting more dead bodies isn't worth it."

"I do believe in a soul, Jay. However, as much as it might grate on the rules of honor, I agree with you. There's always time to take care of the dead after the fight. Fortunately, the Air Marshal, Ground Marshal, and War Minister seem determined to intervene over what Supay's been doing. Atlantis and the Greys have been hitting more Condors over the past year. They are likely to start engaging the long range CAP soon, too. Meantime, we have to watch for assassins."

"It means we all have to keep our eyes open. Look out for each other."

"Agreed," I responded. "How about you? No pretty young thing's caught your eye yet?"

He laughed. "I've had some offers, and a few have caught my eye, but nothing serious. So do you think the sisters will share Pen? And do you think he's is going to keep both of them?"

"Probably. Who knows for sure? Breena's got issues, but maybe with Tanti there, she can get herself straightened out. Why?"

"You are our illustrious leader, Commander. Everyone knows you live openly with five women in your household. Some will see Pen as emulating your lifestyle."

"I'm not sure what your intentions are there, Jay. And I certainly hope Pen doesn't get serious with them for that reason. That would just be sad and wrong. I know some people are stuck in a marriage their parents arranged for them. But if you have the opportunity to live with or marry someone by your own choice, you should do it because you make each other happy. Besides, Pen doesn't strike me as being that shallow."

"He's not," Jay replied. "He's actually a good friend, and I'm glad things worked out the way they did. Neither of our families are thrilled with it, but they can go suck an egg."

"They giving you two problems?"

"Just the usual family put-downs. Nothing we can't handle. Besides, we already have plenty to keep us occupied." As we exited Air Security, Jay asked, "Your vehicle or mine?"

Just then, I felt dizzy. Then a voice in my head.

Ranji! Beware!

Images flooded my head, and settled. Calia? Whatever fleeting connection we'd had, it was gone. But my mind was abuzz with the images she's implanted in my head.

"Commander! Are you all right?" Jay was there, hand on my shoulder, peering at me with worry on his face. The troopers, too, looked concerned.

I shook my head to clear it, then took a breath. "Wait a moment." I headed back inside to the front desk. "Trooper, hand me the land-line, please."

Surprised, he reached over and handed me the telephone.

Jay stood next to me, puzzled, as I dialed.

"Ground Security? This is Commander Kandikan. Patch me through to Night Overwatch, please."

"Please identify yourself, name and grade, for voice print analysis."

"This is Ranji Kandikan, Field Commander, CO for the 602 Air Security Regiment." I punched the button to turn the external speakers on, so the others could hear the conversation.

"Voice print confirmed, Commander. Transferring."

There was a short pause, then the fainter sound. "This is Night Overwatch. What can we do for you, Commander?"

"There's been a vehicle incident at the intersection of Battery Row and Seco's Causeway. I expect there to be three persons in or around the vehicle. Southwest to the intersection on the rooftop there is a man, suspected sniper. In the stoop of the Print Shop, there should be a fifth individual, also armed with a rifle. Can you confirm?"

The sound of muted rotors whirling in the background. "Coming about now, Commander, heading two-four-zero. Activating night sensors and recording. There it is. Vehicle on site as described, Commander. Doors are open, and two appear down. Third person in back seat, unmoving. Man on rooftop confirmed. Swinging about for visual on fifth. Preparing to ping vehicle--"

"No! Don't attempt to communicate with the vehicle! Stay on site, but don't close in. We'll converge on the scene, and we'll need your night eyes. I'll contact you again through Dispatch in ten minutes."

"Order confirmed, Commander. Night Overwatch is in position and awaiting further orders. Raptor Leader sending Raptor 9 as backup."

I turned off the speakers and hung up. Looking at the trooper manning the front desk, I said, "Bring up a base map."

While he did that, I said to Jay, "We'll need one, maybe two vehicles as back-up. Don't use Dispatch. Those men might be listening in on our frequencies. Get them from here."

His face grim, Jay strode back into the main office area. Within a few minutes, he was back with four more troopers hurriedly putting on their tactical gear. Moving around the desk, I had the trooper zoom in. "Okay, here's Air Security C&C, and there's the gym. This is the route we usually take. What time do we usually head to the gym?"

Jay looked at his watch, then frowned at me. "About half an hour from now."

"I want you to drop me off here, then swing around and come at the Printer's Shop from the north, so you can angle the headlights directly at him. You two, take the normal route toward the gym, moving up from Seco's Causeway. You other two, swing around east and come in from this direction, to cut them off. We'll use Ground Security Tac 12. I'll call them on the way and make the arrangements."

On the way out, I opened the boot of my vehicle and grabbed my rifle case, closed it, then hustled to Jay's vehicle and got into the rear seat. On the way, we approached the drop-off site. Trooper Menogom was assigned as my partner. Jay insisted.

"Jay, once you have the man on the ground in sight, feel free to engage. Just keep low and watch for incoming fire from that corner rooftop."

"Commander, you knew about the vehicle being there. You knew there were men armed and waiting, and where they were. How?"

"The how will have to wait until later. The two men set up an ambush on our normal route. The car wreck is bait."

"All right. Let's trap the rats," he spat out.

While we traveled, I assembled my rifle, then slipped the night vision goggles onto my head. Using my phone, I contacted Ground Security, and told them we would be using their tactical radio frequency for our operation. They confirmed they would clear the channel for our use.

On the way there, I thought about what had just happened. Calia had communicated with me, from quite a distance away, warning me of personal danger. First the school to hurt my girls, and now a direct attempt on my life.

I trusted Jay, Pen, and Doyya. Chita, too. But already the circle of people who knew about Calia's abilities was large. My family would not willingly talk, but under torture I knew they would. To stop the pain, you tell the truth and also admit to blatant lies -- anything at all to make it stop hurting. Besides, there were always Truth Drugs. Korreem and his men had no doubt talked, but I felt no recriminations for him. Like Yalcamara and Stimmi, he and his men had enforced the law and helped rescue Imperial citizens.

"In the future, we need to vary our routes, Jay," I announced. "People are going to keep trying to kill us. I don't intend to hide, but routines make ambushes easy."

"Agreed," Jay replied.

Jay watched me as we rode. I could see he had more questions, but he kept them to himself, and we rode the rest of the way in silence. Perhaps nervously, he ejected his pistol's magazine, chambered the round to clear it, inserted the unspent round into the magazine, then inspected the firing mechanism. Satisfied, he replaced the magazine, checked the safety, and then chambered the round, re-arming the pistol. After he holstered it, he checked the HUD, tracking our position on the map.

Soon enough I was climbing the fire escape stairs to the roof, Trooper Menogom close behind me. Yalcamara's rule was now the regiment's field trooper policy -- when you're in the field, you always work with a partner.

At the roof of the second storey, I dropped my goggles into place and scanned ahead of me. Not seeing anyone, I slid over the raised edge onto the roof, then moved low, keeping my eyes peeled. Megonom quietly slid over the barrier behind me.

Two buildings over, I spotted him.

"Tell them we're in place, target spotted," I said quietly.

"First Lion, Papa Bear is in position."

I almost snorted. "Papa Bear?"

Trooper Megonom shrugged. "Seemed appropriate, sir."

"First Lion, ready," Jay responded, the responses re-directed to our ear buds.

"Second Lion, ready."

"Third Lion, moving into position now."

"Night Overwatch still in position. No change. Rooftop target still in position, and ground target has not moved. Raptor 9 holding steady, one rad distant."

The firepower of the Raptor was intense. To avoid damaging buildings and possible innocents, it would remain as backup, letting us deal with the situation. They wouldn't engage unless we started taking casualties or additional targets appeared.