Alien Indiscretions (40 page)

His face was serene. Serene except for the hard-bright glaze of the crusader in the man’s eyes.

* * * *

After his meeting with Maf, Diltan made his way to the Imperial level of the Government House. Most of the councilmen had gotten wind of the crowds outside and had left the cliff building. Diltan was grateful no one was around to see him board the in-house transport that took him to the highest level. If it got out that he was visiting the Imperial Clan so soon after revealing Zarl’s records, rumors of conspiracy would fly.

I do plan to conspire with the Imperial Clan, up to a point,
he admitted to himself as the transport moved beneath his feet.
What else can I do? Maf will let Kalquor suffer in his mania. He does not see that the Empire itself might fall ... or he does not care.

Diltan was beginning to believe the latter possibility was the true one. Maf would let Kalquor rip itself apart in order to get rid of the Earther Mataras and those who had clanned them.

The transport’s door opened, bringing him face to face with half a dozen Royal Guards, their percussion blasters drawn. One snarled, “Halt. The Imperial Clan will see no one.”

Another guard wearing a captain’s insignia holstered his weapon and motioned for his squad to follow suit. “This man is authorized for limited access. You’re on the list of approved visitors, Councilman Diltan. You may check in with Emperor Clajak’s secretary. Do not go anywhere else.”

Diltan offered him a bow. “Thank you, Captain.”

He hurried down the corridor, his heart thumping fast. “Nothing like having half a dozen Nobeks pointing blasters at a man to raise the pulse,” he muttered under his breath. He should have known security would be on high alert given the situation. It amazed him that he’d been given access at all.

He stepped into Clajak’s outer chambers. The room was empty but for the harassed secretary sitting in the midst of continuously beeping com signals.

The secretary nodded to him. “They hoped you’d come, Councilman, but didn’t dare send for you for fear it would look improper. Let me tell them you’re here.”

Diltan digested that the Imperial Clan wanted to see him as the other man disappeared into the private office. He wondered why. Before he could puzzle it out, the secretary came back and waved him towards the inner chamber. “Please go in, Councilman.”

Diltan did so, discovering that not only was the entire Imperial Clan waiting for him, but Clajak’s aide Korkla and Bevau’s aide Dramok Erybet also crowded into the room. It looked like a war council.

Diltan bowed to the six people. “My emperors, my empress.”

Looking calmer than when he’d last seen him, Clajak gave him a slight smile. “Hello again, Diltan. I take it you have some news?”

Diltan nodded. “Councilman Maf called me into his chambers after the meeting. He demands all of Zarl’s records for purposes of building a case of indictment against Imperial Fathers Yuder, Tidro, and most of the Royal Council.”

Emperor Egilka’s sharp face showed no surprise. “As is proper, given his position. Those are now available to him anyway. We saw the documents have been loaded into the mainframe.”

“Yes my emperor. However, I am concerned about his haste in the matter. He is not willing to let this initial trouble pass and the dust to settle. In fact, I believe calm is the last thing Maf desires. I detected an anticipation that borders on enthusiasm to find and convict all involved in the first abductions. He would accuse most of the council itself.”

Korkla gave Clajak a worried glance. “That’s an overreaching way to behave.”

Clajak blew out a gust of air. “I knew Maf was against the mixing of Earthers and Kalquorians for the purpose of re-populating Kalquor, as at least a quarter of the Royal Council is.”

Bevau said, “That number has probably grown since the meeting.”

“I agree. My father admitting his guilt has only worsened the situation.” Clajak asked, “Diltan, I know your concern is for the Empire more than for us. I still wish to know how much can we trust you personally?”

Diltan debated that for a few moments, but he’d already been over the matter in his head for some time. He said, “You must not ask me to lie in order to spare Imperial Father Yuder, my emperor. Nor Imperial Father Tidro, Councilman Rajhir, and Governor Ospar, if it comes to it. My creed is for honor. Yet before that, I would do what I must to preserve the Empire and its people, whether Kalquorian or Earther.”

“What do you think that means, exactly?”

“In this particular situation? I am certain that bringing up on charges those councilmen who are clanned to the first Earther Mataras will harm the Empire. I think it may even feed the Basma’s revolt, threatening a real split.”

“What are your specific worries on that account?”

Diltan didn’t mince words. “Maf is proposing a witch hunt. It will begin with the Royal Council. Once such a thing gets started, it can be damned hard to rein it in. What of the Earthers that came to us after the first Mataras? Will their clans be suspected of kidnapping? Will they be dragged into court to defend their families?”

Jessica frowned. “Earth’s history was full of such things. It starts with one small group being accused or discriminated against, and then it grows until entire communities are under siege. Neighbor turns on neighbor, family against family in such cases.”

Bevau’s aide spoke up. His delicate features made him almost as pretty as a female, but Dramok Erybet was known as a fierce fighter. He’d once been a commander in the almost exclusively Nobek-populated ground army. “We are on a precipice that I have seen before. The first rocks have tumbled down the hill; it will not take much to become an avalanche. Anyone disaffected will flock to the Basma’s banner now.”

Clajak’s gaze on Diltan was steady. “I will not ask you to lie and destroy your honor, Diltan. However, you are already compromised in a fashion what with your suit for our cousin Matara Cecilia.”

Diltan’s mouth went dry. Surely no one would ask him to give up pursuing his potential Matara? Or would Maf, with his dislike of Earthers and desire to make someone pay, insist on it?

Clajak continued. “All I ask is whatever help you can offer that does not interfere with your ethics.”

“Such as?” Diltan’s mind was still reeling over the idea that he might be told to have nothing more to do with Cissy.

“The Honorable Wal is your clanmate. You could give us some insight into how a judge might handle the matter.” Clajak’s face darkened. “I cannot protect my father Yuder, but he swears Tidro knew nothing of the plan to kidnap Earther women. If my Imdiko father can be spared this horror, I wish it.”

Korkla added, “You also sit on the Ethics Committee with Maf.”

Diltan jerked at that. “I will not spy on him on your behalf.”

“Of course not. However, if he is as determined to let his own agenda get in the way of doing his job properly, someone must keep an eye on that. That’s all we would ask you to watch out for.”

Clajak noted, “As you are doing by coming here today.”

The point was well taken. Diltan nodded. “I am willing to share my concerns on that point. Is there anything else?”

Clajak managed a tight smile. “As bad as things look, we may yet have a chance to quiet the people’s anger. If you are willing, I’d like for you to consult with the councilmen who claimed those first Earther mates. My empress has an idea that might help us salvage some of this, if you will hear it.”

Diltan looked to Jessica. He had always adored the brave Earther who had proven herself more than worthy to sit on Kalquor’s throne. He bowed to her. “I would be glad to listen, my empress.”

She smiled at him, a sight that at one time would have made his heart double-beat. Now it only reminded him of another’s smile, one that was just as mischievous as hers. “Sit down, please,” Jessica invited, motioning towards the nearby seating area.

The group gathered around the table, settling on seating cushions. Jessica offered her proposal, and Diltan agreed that it was as slim a hope as she claimed. However, it had possibilities. After an hour of discussion, Diltan agreed to help with the plan.

* * * *

Evening had fallen when Cissy’s door announce summoned her from her bedroom. Hope flared bright as a deep voice called out, “It is Clan Diltan, Matara. May we enter?”

It was ridiculous to feel so delighted to hear the Dramok’s voice when she spent most of her time wanting to throttle him. It was just as silly for her to finger-comb her hair and smooth down the skirt she hadn’t yet returned to Tasha. It wasn’t as if Cissy hadn’t checked her appearance a hundred times in the last couple of hours, hoping the clan would at least vid-com. She hadn’t expected them to show up in person.

She licked and sucked on her teeth, trying to make sure her light dinner wasn’t stuck between them before answering, “Come in.”

The door opened, admitting the three men with Diltan in the lead. Their faces lit in smiles the instant they looked at her, and Cissy couldn’t help but beam back. Her whole body felt as if it wanted to grin. Damn, they looked good to her.

Diltan offered a little bow. As Rolat and Wal followed suit, the Dramok asked with a trace of worry, “I hope our unannounced visit isn’t a problem?”

“Not at all. At least, not for me.” The urge to wiggle like an excited puppy left Cissy, and she blurted out the concern that had overcome her following the council meeting. “Should you be here, Diltan? I want you here, but I mean, with me being related to the royal bunch and all, won’t you get into trouble or—”

Diltan came to her, taking her in his arms and cutting her off with a kiss. And what a kiss. It started off soft and lovely before turning passionate with desire. Cissy’s legs gave out from under her. Her body melted into what was more a lovemaking of mouths than anything so innocent as a kiss.

Diltan held her up as she sagged like a weak little damsel against him. Cissy thought she heard Wal and Rolat chuckle from a million miles away, but it was hard to be sure with the roaring in her ears. Her entire being centered on that kiss, on the feeling of Diltan plundering her mouth in what could only be a claiming. It stole her breath and her mind.

When the Dramok ended the kiss, Cissy’s vision blurred. She thought she might faint. Her lips tingled. She knew she must look like an idiot, gazing up at Diltan with star-struck eyes and clinging to his magnificent body. She fought to get herself under control.

She couldn’t come up with anything more intelligent to say except, “Oh. Okay. I guess you don’t give a red-hot damn about getting into trouble.”

He gave her that patented pompous Diltan smirk, though it seemed a little more tense than usual. “I have reached the conclusion that the issue of Zarl’s records is not going to be pretty no matter what I do. So yes, I’ve decided not to give a red-hot damn. I want you. Unless I am forced to for the good of the Empire, I will not give up one second with you. Even then, I will come running back as soon as I can.”

Wal came over to greet Cissy with a far more respectful kiss on her cheek. “You are more impressive than even you know, lovely. It’s not often anyone can get Diltan to go against what would look good.”

“You are worthy of worship for that alone.” Rolat was on the other side of Diltan. He too gave her a kiss that was almost chaste. Like Wal, the look in his eyes said his thoughts were of a far more lustful nature.

Cissy giggled at their teasing as Diltan rolled his eyes. “Why don’t you both shut up? I am not such a fool as to halt this most delightful relationship.” He kissed Cissy’s still tingling mouth with a loud smack and kept kissing as he spoke. “In fact—”
kiss
“—I want it–”
kiss
“–to continue on–”
kiss
“– and on–”
kiss
“–and on.” Kiss.

Cissy pushed against the ridiculous man, laughing and not really trying to get away. “Wait, I thought I was the rebellious one here!”

Diltan’s grin filled with dark promise, making her insides tremble. He said, “Oh, please rebel, lovely girl. Feel free to resist all you like.”

His ardor, on display without the slightest hint of holding back, enthralled Cissy. Her voice came out husky. “What if I don’t want to resist? What if it’s the last thing in the entire universe that I want to do?”

This time Diltan’s smile showed no hint of the day’s tension at all. “That’s perfectly fine as well, my beauty. Since you are in such a giving mood, you may undress and kneel at my feet.”

Cissy’s heart skipped a few beats as she looked up at the men gathered around her. What was it about these three Kalquorians that made her so eager to please? She’d always been tough as nails, ready to put others in their place if they dared to encroach on her or her sister’s liberties. Yet with Diltan, Rolat, and Wal, she felt soft. Yielding.

It felt natural to give Diltan what he wanted. Too natural. It should have scared her, but it had the opposite result. Cissy lowered to a kneeling position, her body lighting in anticipation.

The men were just as excited, their crotches swelling. The cinnamon scent of Kalquorian male arousal filled her nostrils. They lubricated, their bodies readying to fuck her. Cissy whimpered with avid expectation.

Diltan grasped the crotch seam of his pants and pulled it open. His cocks fell free, glistening and hard. Cissy’s mouth watered.

His honeyed voice sounding a bit breathy, Diltan ordered, “Warm me with your mouth.”

Cissy obeyed without hesitation, sucking first the smaller cock into her mouth and quickly changing to the larger. Back and forth she moved, her hands curled around the bases of the two pricks. The sharp spiciness of his flavor delighted her.

She wasn’t aware that Rolat and Wal had knelt on either side of her until their hands tugged on her clothing. She started for an instant, but recovered and continued the sensual assault on Diltan’s twin maleness.

Fingers tugged at the front of her blouse. Made on Kalquor, it had the resealable seams her hosts preferred rather than buttons. Cissy thought it was Rolat who made quick work of opening the seam. He tugged first at one wrist and then the next as he pulled the sleeves free of her arms. Cissy relinquished her grip on Diltan just long enough to be divested of first the shirt and then her bra.