Starlight Gleaming Ch. 21 Pt. 03

Then I saw Janetta, arms crossed impatiently as her face gave us both a long, considering look while I struggled with the offending muscle.

"Hi, sweetheart. How are you?" When that didn't change her demeanor, I added, "I love you?"

"Hand me your phone," she said brusquely.

Sitting up, Izel wiped her eyes, then said she'd be right back. Something about "using the facilities."

Janetta turned my phone on and typed in my passcode. Showed me the screen. Twenty-three missed calls.

Holy gods.

Then I saw the screen and the time. It was an hour before midnight. I winced. "Sorry, Janetta. We didn't finish until late and then we fell asleep."

"So I see. I've been worried sick for you, Kandikan. All of us have. You and Izel left last night and disappeared into the darkness on a rescue mission, and then we heard nothing further from either of you. Not one word. Seems I had nothing to worry about."

"I wouldn't say that, exactly," I countered.

"You vanished for almost twenty-four hours, Kandikan! And it's not like I could call around to find out where you were. Communications are spotty. Your Second is on some mission and unavailable so I couldn't ask her. Your Dispatch said Lovyanchiti knew where you were, but again, I couldn't ask her, could I? I even tried the Base Commandant's Office and I got politely told you were doing something critical and no one had time to answer my questions. So tell me, Lord Kandikan, just what the fuck have you been doing?"

I cocked a sleepy eye at her. "Most of the time, Izel and I were here, trying to save as many lives as possible. Izel was incredibly valuable throughout the entire process."

"Evening, Janetta," Izel said, her face freshly washed. Then she yawned. "Are you feeling any better?"

My warrior growled briefly at her before turning her ire back to me. My wife blinked in surprise.

I sighed. "I'm guessing that earlier this morning, instead of going to the Nanotech facility under your own power -- as you promised me -- Lieutenant Durie and his troopers had to physically escort you there and back."

Her black eyes flashed. "Did you or did you not tell him, that if I didn't go willingly, that he was under direct orders to ensure I went? Including putting me in restraints and carrying me there if necessary? Did you tell him that?"

I blinked, then nodded. "I did."

"I'm so mad at you I could spit! How dare you treat me that way!"

"Did it actually get to that point?" I asked.

Janetta just growled.

Raising my eyebrows, I said, "You're kidding me."

Then I spied an Air Security corporal and a private, both sporting a shiner on opposite sides of their faces standing behind Janetta. I sat up straighter, trying my best not to laugh. "I guess not. How many troopers did it take, my beautiful and fierce warrior?"

Some of her anger melted and she quietly said, "Seven." But then her eyes flashed again. "They didn't fight fair, Kandikan! Your troopers ganged up and put handcuffs on me. Worse, my own crew wouldn't help defend me. It's not funny! I'm warning you. You'd better not laugh!"

"Oh, I wouldn't think of it," I said, amused. I think if I hadn't been so tired, I could not have kept a straight face and would have suffered from her fury. "The question is, do you feel better?"

"Yes," she finally admitted, after pausing for several long seconds.

"Lady Tlacotli, I love you so much, and it killed me that you were in such pain that you had to be half-drunk to even function. I missed you."

"You still aren't shaved," Janetta scowled.

Still, on the couch, I held out my arms.

Her face softened some and her arms uncrossed. "You're still a shitload of complications, you know. I put up with a lot just living with you."

"Yep." I held my arms out wider.

"Fuck," she muttered, then strode forward and climbed into my lap, straddling my hips. Her mouth reached for mine, roughly kissing me with long restrained hunger finally able to let loose. Pulling her close, I kissed her with a hunger of my own.

When we pulled apart, we were both breathing heavier. Janetta leaned her forehead to mine.

"The trouble with punishing you is that it also punishes me. When you didn't come home, I got worried," she said quietly. "It really bothered me that I couldn't reach you and I didn't even know if you were in danger or not."

"Did you get a bath or a shower this evening?" I asked.

"Oh, gods, yes... is that what you two were working on?"

"Part of it. I truly couldn't have done any of it without Izel's help," I answered.

My lover looked at my wife.

Izel said, "He talked to important people and got things moving. He also paid for it all. I just made sure the contracts were fair."

Then Izel yawned, and I yawned again. I was awake but I knew it wasn't for much longer.

Janetta sat up straighter. "How much did you spend?"

"Wife?"

"Four hundred and twelve thousand credits," Izel answered.

Janetta gasped. "Do you have any money left?"

"Just over eighty thousand. Human lives are at stake. Besides the water, there's extra food, clothing, blankets, medical supplies... a lot of things needed to help us recover."

My warrior shook her head. "I don't know whether to tell you how proud I am or to yell at you for being a fool."

Izel decided she was done standing and plopped down on the couch beside us. "I'd go with the first one. That way we can be proud of him together."

Nodding, Janetta sighed, then stood up. "Come on, you two. Let's go home."

Getting up, I offered Izel my hand. As she joined us, I noticed tears with her smile.

Janetta asked, "Is something wrong, Izel?"

Wiping her eyes, she shook her head. "I'm so tired, but I have so much happiness. I have a home! Not just a place to live but a home. I have a brave and generous husband and fierce warrior sister. I'm a lucky woman."

"You might not consider it," Janetta said, "but our family is bigger than that. You just need to get to know them."

Seeing how Janetta had two of my troopers with her, I called Dispatch and arranged for the two Ground Service soldiers, Haylock and Beym, to get a ride back to their barracks. Having put in a lot of hours themselves, they were worn and ready for sleep themselves.

Izel and I collected our gear and I grabbed the stack of hard drives and the flash drive with the interview. We piled into the back and were driven home to Cirrus Drive.

The Ground Service captain had said to me that things were busy at our place. That was an understatement. Over a score of tents had been set up and even at this late hour, it appeared there were a few hundred people were up and about.

"I'm told that most of the tents are occupied," Janetta informed me. "I had a meeting near the airfield earlier today, and when I returned home, I learned our place had been designated the emergency command center for our sector. Did you know about that, Kandikan?"

"Possibly?" I was finding it harder to keep my eyes open.

"Gods of North and South, Kandikan. I can hardly take a step in my own home without worrying I'm going to stumble over someone sleeping, trip on some toy, or sit down for a hot meal at the table."

Pulling her over, I kissed her temple. "Everyone is having to endure hardships right now. Besides, a lot of temporary plans were put in place to fix the damage done by our predecessors, and we never even got a chance to test any of them out."

"Kandikan, I tried to take a relaxing hot bath this evening, and when I went into the master bathroom, there were half a dozen kids and their mothers in there using the hot tub giving their babies a bath. There was a line for the shower."

I just nodded, finding it easier to close my eyes.

"Are you even listening to me?" Janetta demanded.

"Can it wait till tomorrow?"

"I don't know, Kandikan! Can it? Because I'm feeling like you aren't sorry at all for making me worry about you."

Izel had been awake when the back door closed, but she was currently crashed against me, sliding down toward my lap.

"We're alive, Janetta. Doesn't that mean something?"

"I'm Mistress of your House! Not a word from you all day, Kandikan. Not to me or to the rest of the people you say are your family."

"You're right. I screwed up. Happy?" I was starting to lose the fight to keep awake.

"Treat me like I matter, damn it!"

Everything went sort of blurry. I vaguely remember being guided into the house and walking up the stairs. I was stripped down and fell onto the mattress. I was pushed and moved about. One warm body scooted in beside me and I drew them close, sighing into someone's hair. Another scooted in behind.

* * * * *

Part 18 -- Making Connections

* * * * *

My first sensation was one of wet pressure enveloping my cock. In the darkness, my vision sharpened enough to make out a form. Janetta rode my hips, her back arched while firmly grinding her sex against me. I began to grunt each time she buried me within her snug wet heat. Slick lower lips caressed my balls while she ground her clit onto me. As her pace picked up, she leaned forward, rocking faster while her breathing deepened.

I was so worn out, it was all I could do to take note of our union. I wanted to grab her and buck into her center until I filled her, but my body wouldn't respond.

"You feel so good inside me," she gasped.

Then she moaned and dropped forward, bracing herself by her arms. As she ground her sex against mine, I felt her muscular sheath clenching my erection. With a shudder that seemed to shake her whole body, she leaned down and briefly kissed me, whispering, "I needed this to tide me over, Ranji."

With that, she climbed off and pulled me until I lay on my side, then scooted so I was spooning her. She drew my arm about her, kissed my hand, then settled it about her waist. I'm not sure, but I think she herself was spooning Zinja. She gave a contented sigh and soon her breathing deepened to sleep.

I faded out.

There was a sense of time passing, but I had no idea how much. I was more awake this time. I was also hard and on my right side. Rounded globes of soft flesh slowly rubbed against my shaft. There was a quiet cry and then a pause.

"Ranji?" came Izel's whisper.

Moving my left arm, I pulled her against me. Nuzzling close, I kissed along her shoulder and then lingered in the crook of her neck. "You need me, Wife?"

She shivered, her words were barely audible. "Oh, Husband, I feel you behind me. I... I'm so sleepy but you are so hard and I want you inside me."

Sliding my hand down along her waist, I reached for her cleft, and she opened her legs to me. Gently running my fingertips over her furry mound, she shifted onto her back, spreading her legs in invitation. I expected to find heat. Instead, her vulva was swollen and liquid heat steamed from her core. Bringing my soaked fingers, I smelled her scent and then sucked the nectar off them. My cock went from stiff to hard.

"You're soaked, Izel."

"I dreamed of my husband, so brave and strong, making love to me all night. I woke up in your arms like this." Her hand caressed my cheek. "Please?"

Leaning over, our lips met and she kissed me with a slow, burning heat. Tongues moved languidly as our hands explored the other. I nibbled her neck as she tugged at me, urging me to move. As I settled between her legs, she brought her knees up, baring her needy center to me.

"Guide me in," I murmured.

"Yes, my husband," she breathed. Her small fingers encircled my shaft and pointed me at her entrance. Once my crown connected to her slick, fat lips, she wrapped her legs about me, pushing me with her heels while arms grabbed my shoulders.

Pressing forward, her pussy easily parted and she began to engulf my cock, drawing me into her yielding center. Izel gasped as my crown opened her up, then she groaned as I descended, opening her up completely. When my balls nestled against the tender flesh of her inner thighs, she moaned again.

"So full," she murmured. "So deep. Please love me?"

"With pleasure."

Another kiss as I braced myself onto my arms above her. Pulling back and pressing back into her tight sheath. Once my length was coated with her juices, I set to a steady thrusting within her tight folds, the weight of my hips aiding my exploration of her depths.

Each time I touched her core, Izel gasped and thrust back at me. In no time at all my balls were slick. Her hands ran along my arms and shoulders, caressing my chest.

"I feel you, so hot and so hard, moving inside me."

For long moments, we worked together, enjoying the pleasure of my cock working within her body. When her hips thrust back harder and her hands reached down to grab my butt, pulling me firmly into her sodden, swollen cavity, I responded. Over and over, my hard length parted her tender flesh, opened her to my driving presence. Each time I bottomed out, I firmly pressed further into her core, causing her to gasp with pleasure.

"Oh, gods," she whimpered.

Gripping her shoulders, I thrust more vigorously. Her hips rocked faster, her passion rising.

"Ranji!"

Then she moaned as she wrapped herself around me, her clenching core throbbing around my length. "Oh!"

Nearing my own release, I continued plundering her center. Just as she began to loosen her grip, I pressed as deep as I could reach, grunting as I fired hot salvos of semen against her convulsing core. With the second splash, Izel grunted, grinding herself against my embedded cock. Her pussy began another round of pulsations.

"I love you!" she cried.

"I love you, Izel," I murmured, moving from side to side, doing my best to fill her with my sticky heat.

When my orgasm faded, I rolled onto my back, taking her with me. She squeaked in surprise, then settled, kissing my chest with light kisses.

Then she giggled.

"What?"

"I don't want to move because there's a huge wet spot right behind me."

"Then don't move."

"Yes, Husband."

* * * * *

"Kandikan, it's zero-seven hundred and it's breakfast time." Janetta pushed at my feet. "Kandikan!"

I blinked and lifted. Noticed I was on my left side again, and that I had Janetta's pillow in my arms. Izel was lightly snoring, sprawled against my back.

Janetta was dressed in her class B uniform. Zinja, dressed in work coveralls, looked on with amusement. Fortunately, the door was closed.

After rubbing my eyes, I scooted out of bed and headed to the master bath.

Both women followed me in. The sergeant gave my partial erection an appreciative look, but as it was a piss-hard, I sat down, doing my best to relax so my bladder could empty.

Raising her eyebrows, Janetta looked at me. "Well? Are you eating or not? You wouldn't know it, but there's a shitload of people downstairs and they're all hungry. I need to know if you want food or if you're going back to bed."

"What happened to the portable hard drive I had with me?"

"An armed courier and escort from the Commandant's Office came by an hour ago. I gave it to them. The flash drive is on your dresser."

"All right," I acknowledged, then sighed as the pressure below eased. "Zinja? Can I have some water with two blockers and two stim tabs?"

Nodding, she moved to carry out my request.

Folding her arms, Janetta looked at me. "I don't know what that means, Kandikan. All right about the messenger? All right about food? All right about the shitload of people in our home? I need some clarity here."

"The messenger." I glanced at my watch, confirming the time. I felt much better, but I had pushed myself pretty hard the day before. I needed more rest, but I had things to do. I took the water and pills from Zinja, swallowed them down, and emptied the glass.

Then I heard the familiar chirp of my phone from the other room.

"I'll get it," Zinja volunteered and dashed out. She returned and handed it over.

Glancing at the ID, my eyebrows rose. Barankoshto. "Kandikan, here."

"Are you fit to travel yet, Commander?"

"Getting there, General."

"I'm here with a couple of my company commanders and your Lieutenant Ja-See, who is assigned to something called Tactical Ops. With the loss of Braykoor and Terkouri, you are the ranking Security officer, Commander. I debriefed your Second before I sent her home to rest. I need to leave within the next hour and I need to talk to you before then."

"Understood, General. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Outstanding." And she hung up.

I closed the phone's lid and looked at Janetta. "I need to go. Are you still tied to a desk?"

"I am," she confirmed. "Zinja's helping with road clean-up. I also need to ask you a favor."

"I'm going to hit the rain locker, brush, and shave. Grab me a couple of water bottles and something portable for me to eat, please. Why don't come with me? You can talk to me on the way."

Turning, she said, "Zinja, secure the Commander some food and water." The tall mechanic vanished. "All right, Ranji. I'll call my CO and let him know I'm working on his project. When I'm done with that, I'll set you out a fresh uniform."

It was close to fifteen minutes later that I came back out; my hair was still damp yet I was feeling a lot more awake.

"Yes, sir," Janetta said. "He is connected, but I can only promise I'll do the best I can. Thank you, sir." Then she closed her phone and put it into her breast pocket and closed the velcro flap. She was seated at our shared work desk.

"So what's going on?"

"Some of the heavy vehicles were either destroyed or damaged by the enemy. We had one bulldozer working till late last night when it broke down. Maintenance says it's a broken driveshaft. We have three vehicle mechanics, but none of them know bulldozers. My officer wants to know if you can get us a replacement."

"Sounds reasonable. I'll call the Commandant while we're in transit." I pulled up a fresh pair of underwear and reached for my trousers.

She got up with a frown and while I was sliding in one leg, she pointed and demanded, "What the fuck is that, Kandikan?"

I looked around. "What?"

Scowling, Janetta poked me in the side and I winced. "That bruise! How did you get that?"

"Oh, that." I finished pulling up my trousers and secured them.

Glaring, she went to the closet and pulled the vest out. Scanned it, and then erupted. "Gods of North and South! You said you were in talks all day. There's a fucking bullet lodged in your vest, Kandikan! Who shot you! And when did that happen!"

"Hey, I walked away. They didn't." I put on my shirt and buttoned it up.

"Don't you sideline me! They, who?"

"Calm down. I'll tell you in the cruiser on the way."

Scowling, she threw the vest onto the floor. "Until the panel is replaced, it's useless. And I will not calm down. You didn't tell me about this last night and now I'm pissed at you again. I'm going downstairs to check on your food. Your wife's awake. Since you fucked her last night, at least have the decency to tell her goodbye."

Before I could say anything, she flung the door open and slammed it behind her.

"I love you, too, Janetta," I uttered. Grabbing socks and shoes, I went to the desk chair and put them on.

"Are you leaving again, Husband?"

"I'm afraid so. Why don't you stay here and get caught up on some rest, hmm?"

"She was angry. Was it because you made love to me last night?"

"No. At least I hope not. She found where I was shot--"

Izel bolted upright, alarm on her face. "What? Husband, you were shot?"

Moving over to her, I gave her a hug and kiss. "I'm all right. Yes, I was shot but the vest protected me. All I got was a big bruise. I know you want to help, but stay here and rest. Check on your people and see what you can do to lend a hand around here."

She tugged up my shirt and searched until she found the bruise, then gently kissed it. "My brave husband was injured protecting me." Looking up at me, she nodded. "I will do as you ask. Will you be safe today?"