Alien Barbarian’s Little Human

10. Chloe

CHAPTER 10

CHLOE

T he door slides shut behind me. I’m surrounded by opulence and convenience, but everything feels strange. The riot I encountered seems to have tainted my perception of everything.

Then there’s the whole jalshagar thing. I never took those legends seriously. But here I am living one. The research community is split fifty fifty on what, exactly, the jalshagar bond does or doesn’t do. It seems to be one of those murky ‘can’t be fully measured by our current instrumentation’ type of deals.

Not much help for someone like me, stuck in the throes of it all. Spicy novels are one thing, but having a destined man just fall into your lap isn’t something they trained me at the academy for.

I’d gone in as an officer straight out of university. Military intelligence, never supposed to see the bad end of a battlefield. But intelligence turned out to be too dull, too confining. I asked for a transfer to the diplomatic core.

One crash course in alien cultures later, and here I was, trying to negotiate an impossible treaty with a man who may or may not be my soulmate.

It’s not like Varona is ugly. Far from it. Not only is he aesthetically pleasing, he exudes a natural, unforced sensuality. His purple eyes call to me from a place beyond time and dreams, a place I can’t quite remember but can never fully forget.

I decide to give up surfing the holo web hoping for answers to my dilemma. There’s a lot more information about how to induce it or find it than reverse it.

At least the bedding feels nice, soaking up the tension from my body. I lay there in my uniform, too tired to undress. Interstellar travel takes a hidden toll on the body, or so I’ve been told.

Unfortunately, I can’t quite get to sleep. Fiery thoughts of Varona mingle with my dreams of a horned lover. It’s more of a relief than a nuisance when I get an incoming call from IHC command.

I dig out the holocom and sit up on the bed. After turning the filter to ‘just woke up’ to smooth out my appearance, I accept the comm. The green globe resolves into the features of a wizened human male with dark gray eyes.

“Ambassador Boyd,” I say crisply. “How can I be of assistance?”

“Did you meet with the Ishani ambassador yet?” he says by way of greeting.

“I did.”

“You sound hesitant.”

“It’s not that, I was just taking a power nap. Negotiations are set to continue tomorrow morning.”

It’s something of a lie. I have a brunch date with Varona, that could be seen as a negotiation.

“Early morning or late?”

“Late.”

“I’ll expect a progress report immediately upon completion of this negotiation session. We must get the ishani to sign the treaty.”

“I know how important it is, Ambassador. I won’t let you down.”

“See that you do not. If the Ishani put their support behind the Ataxians, it will box the Alliance into a corner. Since we’re officially allies of the Alliance, if not a member, this puts us at odds as well.”

“I know, Ambassador. I’ll do my best.”

“Your best isn’t good enough. Do better than your best. Get the job done or I’ll find someone who will. Boyd out.”

I sigh as the screen returns to a green globe.

“Thanks for the pep talk, boss. I feel so much more confident in my ability to get the job done now.”

The truth is, there’s probably no way to convince the Ishani to sign a treaty with the IHC. They aren’t dopes. They know what that alliance would mean on the political spectrum.

I spend most of the night getting sleep in fits and starts. I dream of the horned barbarian lover, as usual. But I dream of something else. A living gray cloud, relentless and indefatigable, pursuing me until I’m too tired to run any longer.

I’m already awake and dressed when the alarm on my compad goes off. I turn it off and stifle a yawn, Vakutan coffee in my hand as I head off to meet Varona.

Fortunately I don’t have to go back out onto the streets. It looks like the protesters and counter protestors from yesterday are back. This time, they’re not resorting to violence. I suppose they learned a lesson from Ishani's easy smackdown.

But then again, I notice more than a few in the crowd wearing headphones. I’m not sure if that would work or not, but it’s probably a step in the right direction. I’ve never seen anything in the galaxy that’s all powerful. Every hyper intense laser meets a shield it can’t break, and every unbreakable shield meets a torpedo it can’t withstand.

The Ishani’s vaunted Voice ability, whatever it is, will meet its counter sooner or later. I just hope to be well away from this planet before that happens. Judging from the unrest, my money is on sooner rather than later.

The Ishani transit system takes me to their botanical garden. Garden is a bit of a misnomer, as it’s more like a dome the size of three football stadiums combined, filled to the brim with verdant life.

I guess the protesters don’t consider a botanical garden to have the same importance as a government office. They are nowhere in sight, not that I miss them. I enter the garden with no hassles.

Inside, I find the atmosphere a bit warmer and more humid, but otherwise pleasant. A myriad variety of scents dance across my nostrils, exotic plants and some eerily familiar.

A robed steward walks elegantly toward me. His golden eyes shine nothing but kindness and patience, but there’s a slight twitch by his lips when he speaks. I think he’s holding back some latent hostility.

“Welcome, Ambassador. It’s always a pleasure to have a first time visitor to our wonderful garden.”

“Thank you, Sir. I believe I’m an expected guest of Varona.”

“Oh, yes, Master Varona awaits your convenience on the succulents level, Rainbow Falls platform. Don’t worry, I’ll be more than happy to guide you.”

His voice seems a bit strained. I don’t think he’s happy about it, but he pretends to be, and that’s good enough for me.

He leads me up several flights of comfortable steps. They must have been put in for visitors, because the Ishani can fly. The brightly-hued tendrils and fronds which unfurl on either side of our path are both threatening and beautiful.

The idea of what is and is not a plant changes defending on the planet of origin. Most of the plants in the garden, though, seem to be of the non-ambulatory type. That’s good. I don’t like having a conversation with an apple tree, I just want to eat the fruit.

The closer we get to the Rainbow Falls platform, the more anxious I become. It’s almost like I can feel Varona’s presence before I can even see him.

A cooling mist born of rushing water envelops us as we round a bend in the walkway. Rainbow Falls gets its name because of its location beneath the largest pane of glass in the overhead dome. The sunlight beams in and creates rainbows in the mist.

Varona rises as we approach, having been seated at a table laden with a grand amount of offerings. My belly rumbles at the prospect. I haven’t eaten much since I got to this world.

“Greetings, Chloe. I took the liberty of preparing some dishes I thought you might enjoy.”

“It smells and looks great, Varona. That’s two thirds of the battle.”

The dining area on the platform is protected by a force field designed to keep out spray from the waterfall. Thus, the seats and the food remain perfectly dry, while the rest of the platform is a darker hue from moisture. You can see the exact dimensions of the force filed by looking at the floor. The line between wet and dry is clearly delineated.

Varona serves me, so to speak. He cuts apart some kind of Alzhon looking bread with a plasma knife and spreads a brownish-gold paste on the resulting slices. When I try it, the flavor reminds me of almonds, honey, and some unnamable thing between savory and spicy.

Varona has Vakutan coffee on ice, and some kind of sparkling green beverage which I take to be native to the Ishani. I go for the coffee to wash down my toast, giving the green stuff the stink eye.

“It is made from the ground up intestines of burrowing beetles,” Varona says.

“Ugh, did you have to tell me that?”

“No. Actually, it’s juice from the pureed innards of one of our citrus fruits. The way you were looking at it fit my first description, however.”

“What’s it taste like?”

“Alzhonions liken the flavor to star berries.”

“Well, I like star berries. Hit me.”

I hold my glass out and he stares. I roll my eyes.

“I mean, fill my glass.”

“Ah. Forgive me for not understanding the human custom. I was wondering if perhaps you wanted me to actually strike you, and if so in what manner.”

“Ah, no, there are very few contexts where that is appropriate.”

“Indeed. A pugilist contest, for example. Or a fantasy role play, which involves striking the bare bottom of one’s partner in a ritual called a spanking--”

“That’s about enough of that,” I say with a laugh. “At least, for a first date.”

“Is that what this is? The human courtship ritual known as a date?”

I sigh.

“Why do you ask? According to you we’re practically married already. Fated mates and all of that.”

His brows arch. Varona’s wings flex as he leans back in his seat.

“So, you have begun to give credence to our being jalshagar?”

“I’m willing to admit something happened. Is happening.”

He’s so close to me, his scent filling my senses. Those lovely purple eyes draw me in. I feel as if I know him, like I’ve known him before. I just can’t quite remember where.

“You know, my commanding officer told me that I had to get you to sign the treaty, or else.”

He looks more bemused than alarmed.

“I see. The or else seems to designate a threat. May I ask what nature said threat will take?”

I shrugged.

“I think they’ll probably replace me as IHC ambassador. The truth is, I don’t think anyone seriously believes I’m going to succeed. No one really wants to detonate the powder keg here.”

“Maybe you do not, but there are many forces who would like nothing better than to see this conflagration become a full blown conflict.” His eyes seem both thoughtful and sad. “I’m uncertain I can even entertain the idea that signing the treaty is good for the Ishani.”

“Well, then, let’s just focus on eating this fine meal and forget about the treaty for now. I know I’m sick of thinking about it.”

“If you like. I worry that you will be replaced, however.”

“Ah, they won’t replace me right away. I should be able to milk this assignment into a two, three week vacation.”

He steeples his hands together and regards me for a long moment.

“You do not seem overly loyal to your home planet.”

“Oh, I’m loyal to Earth. The IHC is the one whose loyalties are in doubt.”

“You have no faith in your leadership.”

It’s not a question, but a statement of fact.

“You don’t sound surprised.”

“I have noticed similar feelings with the Ataxians and the Alliance personnel alike. It’s strange to the Ishani, because we trust our leaders implicitly. We assume they know more what the Precursors would have thought than ourselves, because they are closer.”

I have to chuckle at that notion.

“Maybe things are different with the Ishani, but my world experimented, many times, with letting the old men decide things. The problem with that arrangement was, even though the old men can can be wise, and have seen many things, they also sometimes say out of touch things that make us all cringe. You need new ideas sooner or later.”

He strokes his chin as if I’ve just said ice is hot and fire, cold.

“I do not agree. There is no need for new ideas if the old ideas are perfect. The Precursors knew and saw all. They are to be revered and studied, not circumvented with new thought.”

“I’m really starting to think that there’s a lot more holding you back than nonviolence,” I say. “You seem to have some strange ideas about how the galaxy functions.”

“Perhaps. We have been accused of acting out of touch before, Chloe. Maybe that is why you are my jalshagar. To influx new thoughts and blood into our collective.”

I almost choke on my tea.

“This jalshagar thing, how serious is it? Should I be worried?”

“It is a blessed thing, not to be feared, but celebrated.”

“In your culture, maybe. I’m not sure I can wrap my head around the concept. There are trillions of sapient beings in the galaxy. Am I really supposed to believe that one of them just happens to be my perfect match?”

“Believe what makes you comfortable, Chloe. No one will force a pair bond upon you, least of all me.”

I give him a look, then burst into laughter.

“That’s a nice sentiment, but meaningless since you believe that we’re fated mates, and there’s only one way I’m going to decide.”

His hand slides across the table to envelop my own.

“Perhaps. Or perhaps, I simply have great patience.”

His warmth emanates into my skin. I feel sweat break out on my brow. His scent, his presence is overwhelming. I can’t hope to think clearly under these circumstances.

“I don’t think anyone in the world has the patience to be with me. Full disclosure.”

Varona leans in close, his warm breath enticing on my skin. His sensual lips are mere inches from my own.

“Challenge accepted.”

His lips are like the first rays of sunshine peeking over the clouds. Divine but comforting all at the same time. I gasp as our breath mingles, his flavor spreading over my palate. I love the way he tastes. There’s more than a spark here. There’s a full blown inferno.

He pulls away slightly, and we rest our foreheads together.

“You kissed me,” I say at last.

“And you enjoyed it.”

“I fucking loved it.”

I kiss him back, aggressive and hungry. He’s taken aback at first. Then his hands seize my body and yank me into his lap.

My gasp of surprise turns into a moan of pleasure as he kisses me, hard. His tongue probes deep, taking charge like my horned dream lover. Exactly like my horned dream lover. How could I have imagined their kisses being so much the same?

Or maybe this is the first man to measure up to my dreams? Maybe I should stop overthinking for once in my life.

He kisses my neck, just in the right spot. Like he has a roadmap to my body. Varona’s big fingers tease my nipples through my uniform, something else I like.

“Are you all right?” he whispers in my ear.

“Fuck yes, keep going!”

His nails rake across my skin as he tears my uniform open from collar to waist. Half the buttons snap off. Good thing I brought a spare. Varona buries his face in my bared breasts. His hot mouth alternates licks, kisses, and sharp nips.

It’s like my hottest dreams come to life, only better. I can’t believe I’m doing this. I only just met him, but it feels like I’ve known Varona forever. He sure seems to know my body.

“I’ve waited so long to touch you again,” he purrs.

“Again?”

My question goes unanswered, but I don’t really care. Not with the amazing things he’s making me feel. I rear my body against his hand as it probes between my thighs. His eyes widen. I’ve finally managed to surprise him with my audacity, at least.

“No one’s going to come up here, are they?” I ask nervously as he hikes my skirt up to my waist.

“No one would dare. And even if they did, we Ishani are not ashamed of making love, only making war.”

His powerful hand snaps my panties right off. I gasp at the sudden exposure, then groan as he strokes me with nimble fingers.

“You are so beautiful, Chloe.”

I can’t form words, just moans and soft cries which have nothing to do with fear. I squirm in his lap, feeling the hard bulge of his cock growing ever larger.

His robes slip away, and his warm, throbbing weapon glides through the groove of my pussy. I arch my back, grasping at his long, soft hair and giving myself over to the pleasure of skin on skin.

Varona lifts me under the hips, and settles me back down. My eyes squeeze shut as my pussy squeezes around his cock. My weight settles down fully and a wave of delight pulses through me.

Varona’s hands cup my breasts, massaging them as his mouth mauls my neck. I rock against him, our bodies finding an easy rhythm. For a moment, the steel walls of the Ishani office resemble natural, unworked stone. I almost imagine that my fingertips trace along the base of curling horns as well as curling hair.

It’s so like my dream, but different. Better, as if we’ve built upon the dream as a foundation. Our bodies arch in unison, and I suck in a deep, ragged gasp of air. He cums inside of me, his member throbbing like mad, and I fly over the precipice of a truly momentous climax.

I thrash and squirm on his lap, my pussy convulsing on his cock as if it wants to keep it inside even deeper. My eyes water as I scream out my delight until my throat grows raw.

I collapse against his sculpted body. Varona kisses me tender, sweeping my hair away from my face and neck. I sigh and cozy up to him.

“How will you describe this to your commanding officer?” he asks.

“I will tell him that I literally did everything possible to change your mind,” I reply with a chuckle. “Look, this can’t happen again, okay? We just had to get this jalshagar thing out of our systems, am I right?”

“If you like.”

I give him a look. He’s got that light in his violet eyes again. The light that says he knows exactly what’s going to happen no matter what I might declare.

Indeed, ‘never’ happens again the next day. And again the next. Then three times the next…pretty soon I’ve basically moved into Varona’s quarters, and he’s used his pull to keep me from being fired.

I don’t know about the jalshagar thing, but every day that passes I feel our connection grow stronger. Maybe we are soul mates. All I know is, I don’t want to leave him. Ever. My dreams seem to have slowed down, too. I still have them, but mostly you have to sleep to dream and Varona and I aren’t doing much of that.

The tensions are only growing worse on the Ishani homeworld. I’m starting to get really worried. Not for my sake, but for Varona’s, and all of his people.

The Ishani are too trusting, too compassionate, and too arrogant for their own good. They sincerely think they can handle whatever comes their way, but I can’t share their confidence. I’m afraid that the Centuries War has already come to the Ishani homeworld.

Now, we’re just waiting for them to notice.