Clans of Kalquor

Book Thirteen

Alien Haven

After six years, a new novel for the original Clans of Kalquor series…the fiftieth book in the Kalquor Universe…is coming. One big adventure in two versions is on the way to celebrate this major milestone. Version One will be the traditional Clans of Kalquor heroine-centric story. Version Two will be both a Clans of Kalquor and Clan Beginnings same-sex-friendly edition. Get both versions in one volume and choose which to read…or read both.

Using the alias Jennifer Seng, Charity Nath is in hiding on Haven, a planet settled by Earthers and Kalquorians. She's less than thrilled to be on the agricultural outpost where the height of culture is a popular play titled Cow Patties in Paradise . With a bounty on her head and ruthless men determined to cash in, she has little choice but to join Clan Amgar's farm and ranch hands until the danger is past. At least the view is nice, thanks to three young, handsome Kalquorians…but they have their own secrets they're unwilling to share.

After his encounter with a merciless entity that performed horrific medical tests on him, Dramok Ilid is eager for a place where he can feel safe again. Haven's strict security protocols mean the pandemic raging in his home empire has little chance of striking the planet. Better yet, there's little opportunity for the enemy Darks who traumatized him to show up either. Still, he knows he isn't the man to lead a clan of his own despite the tempting potential of his new friends who are everything he could hope for.

Imdiko Mitag is charming, gorgeous, and resolved to draw out the trio who seem perfect for the clan he's always dreamed of. His eagerness conceals a long-ago tragedy and an unloving childhood he's determined won't dictate the rest of his life, if he can only convince the others.

It isn't that Nobek Detodev doesn't want friends and lovers. As a Nobek who hates who he is, he's certain no one else could want him. His aloof persona begins to crack when Charity, Ilid, and Mitag refuse to let him remain unapproachable. But surely they'll run when they discover the truth.

When Charity comes under attack by those who'll stop at nothing to destroy the uneasy peace between Earth II and Kalquor, the quartet finds secrets are the greatest danger to keeping her safe. Can her life and their growing love survive the truth of their pasts?

Read on for an excerpt from Alien Haven :

"I wish the trip had been longer. I enjoyed getting to know you," the honey-blond woman who'd introduced herself as Jennifer Seng whispered to the tall, handsome Kalquorian with whom she'd struck up a companionship.

Dramok Ilid darted a glance at his parent clan, who followed them a few feet behind in the aisle toward the hatch of their shuttle, which had landed a couple minutes before. "Me too. Maybe I'll see you again?"

"Jennifer" grinned, delighted at the prospect of not merely having a familiar face to look forward to on the planet she was a stranger to, but Ilid's face in particular. Three days of flight from Alpha Space Station, which orbited Earth II, had barely scratched the surface of what promised to be an exciting fling. She hadn't gotten enough of the compelling man who was close to her age. "Clan Amgar's farm is where I'll be. I will be insulted if you don't visit in a day or two."

There was no trace of the reserve that sometimes overcame Ilid as he smiled broadly. "I would never insult a woman such as you," he swore, his Kalquorian accent slightly slurring the English he spoke for her benefit.

Perhaps his parent clan overheard despite their quiet conversation. Jennifer had learned Kalquorian hearing was insanely sensitive. Over Ilid's shoulder, she saw his mother Matara Diju and her trio of male clanmates exchange smirks. Far from the protective type for whom no woman would be good enough for her son, Diju had seemed determined to play matchmaker between the young people during the flight to Haven, a mixed Earther-Kalquorian community in Kalquorian Empire territory.

Jennifer had no designs on any long-term relationships, even someone as compelling as Dramok Ilid, son of Clan Codab. His well-sculpted features would have been intense if they'd lacked the worried, nervous expression he often wore. A prime example of his humanlike species, he had purple eyes with cat-slitted pupils and a naturally muscled physique. He towered over Jennifer's five-foot-five voluptuous frame.

His black hair was wavy and worn long, in the manner of the men of his people. She'd learned he was twenty-three years old, three years her senior. Perfect for fun, in other words, though he did have a pronounced serious streak. She was determined to loosen him up. His laugh brightened their surroundings when it came, which was far too rare.

Had she been in the market for a serious relationship, she admitted to herself she would have found Ilid a very acceptable prospect. The Dramok breed of Kalquorian men, the acknowledged natural leaders of the race, had a habit of being bossy in her opinion. Despite his categorization, Ilid possessed an aura of vulnerability under the surface. She found it alluring. There had been a few moments when his sweet aspect had trembled on the verge of what appeared to be hurt, and she'd been unhappy to imagine he'd faced some sort of trauma. The notion had been fleeting, however, a trick of her imagination. After all, he'd gotten out of the fleet ahead of the skirmishes against the awful, invading Darks, entities threatening the whole of the galaxy. His parents were absolute darlings from what Jennifer could tell from their short acquaintance, even the watchful and brooding Nobek Gruthep. They doted on Ilid while trying not to smother him.

In short, he was wonderful. Jennifer almost regretted her determination to play the field, but she'd eschewed dating Kalquorians until recently. She had a lot of catching up to do when it came to the species her elder sister had committed to, in love and career. Fortunately…or unfortunately, depending on how things went…Ilid would possibly return to Kalquor in a month.

An attendant who'd kept the sole five passengers of the spacious shuttle comfortable during the trip, wearing the armored uniform of a Kalquorian fleet member, offered a slight bow as Jennifer and Ilid neared the hatch. "Welcome to Haven."

"Ee-i-ee-i-o," Jennifer muttered in sing-song.

"Matara?"

"A tune about life on the farm. I can't wait to be among the cows and pigs."

Ilid chuckled. He'd heard her complaints when it came to being stuck on Haven, a mostly agricultural community. He'd been appropriately sympathetic while finding humor in her concerns about backwoods hayseeds and watching where she stepped when she went outdoors.

She was relieved to not be knocked backward by the smell of fertilizer when she exited the hatch. Indeed, Haven's largest spaceport of fifty such facilities bore a remarkable resemblance to other spaceports she'd been to throughout the galaxy. There was an appalling amount of flannel shirts, stained dungarees, and tall boots among the obvious fulltime residents who hurried past groups of uniformed ships' crews. Even the Kalquorians who apparently called Haven home had adopted clothing reflecting an Earther influence.

She slowly descended the ramp to the ridged flooring, which offered stable, nonslip footing. Feeling Ilid close behind, she said, "It's quieter than most spaceports. Fewer ships."

"Anti-virus protocols have shut down a lot of commerce, I'd guess," he ventured, also gazing at their surroundings. His expression had taken on the nervously watchful cast she'd caught glimpses of and discounted.

Nobek Gruthep, a scarred but likable version of Kalquor's warrior caste sporting an ass-long graying braid, placed a hand on Ilid's shoulder. "Their security watches carefully for Darks, too. There have been no instances where any of our enemy has been suspected on Haven."

Ilid visibly drew a deep breath. Another nervous glance at his surroundings, and he relaxed enough to smile at Jennifer. "Where is this Clan Amgar supposedly responsible for rehabilitating you, Miss Behavior?"

Jennifer blew a raspberry at him but laughed. As far as Ilid and anyone who asked knew, she'd run a bit wild in the now the Dark-overrun Galactic Council where she'd attended university until a few weeks prior. According to her cover story, she hadn't gotten in the sort of trouble to land her in a detention facility…thanks to her father's high-ranking position in the government…but it had been decided she should cool her heels on Haven while she learned to stay out of mischief.

In response to this tale, Ilid had given her the pun nickname of "Miss Behavior." His mother had been quick to defend a young person's right to make little mistakes, especially in the current climate of war and viral pandemics, but Jennifer had laughed at the gentle teasing. She could take a joke, and Ilid was as non-malicious as a person could be.

In response to his question about her guardians, Jennifer glanced at the few people rushing past. "I have no idea what they look like. Their Matara is an Earther and…oh, that must be them."

An attractive blond woman, flanked by two Kalquorian men, was hurrying along the walkway down the middle of the spaceport. She waved at Jennifer, smiling a welcome.

"Nobek and Imdiko. No Dramok," Ilid's father Jado said in an undertone, probably to his clanmates.

"It's nice so many came to meet her," Diju said brightly. She came to stand next to Jennifer and waited expectantly, as if she were responsible for the young woman until her rightful caregivers arrived.

The oncoming trio eyed Ilid and his parent clan warily, but their expressions remained pleasant. Jennifer decided it was up to her to head off any concerns.

"Hi!" she called. "Clan Amgar?"

"Here we are, Jennifer," the woman answered. She was extremely slender, but it was the sort of leanness that spoke of hard work rather than lack. When she shook Jennifer's hand, there was surprising strength in her grip. "Sorry we ran a bit late. I'm Sara."

"It was my fault we ran behind," the Nobek said, his gaze taking in Clan Codab one man at a time. "I'm Nobek Groteg, head of the Kalquorian branch of Haven's security. This is our Imdiko, Utber."

"It's good to meet you. Let me introduce my new friend Dramok Ilid, and his parents, Matara Diju, Dramok Codab, Imdiko Jado, and Nobek Gruthep." Jennifer glanced between the Nobeks. "Your names are similar, and you're both involved in law enforcement. I bet I'll get them mixed up. Don't smack the silly Earther for calling you the wrong names."

The pair glanced at her and chuckled. Groteg visibly relaxed. "You're the clan interested in expanding your bakery business beyond Kalquor."

"Under our son's management." Diju beamed at Ilid. "If we find Haven suitable, he'll do an amazing job."

Groteg, Gruthep, and Codab exchanged what Jennifer thought were overly meaningful glances. What had she missed?

"A bakery would be wonderful," Sara said, her blue eyes brightening. The corners of her eyes creased pleasantly as her smile deepened. "The one in the town closest to us closed when the owner passed away several months ago. I understand the building and all its equipment are for sale."

"It sounds like an intriguing opportunity for Ilid." Diju beamed at the news.

"Let me give you the address. Had you planned to stay nearby during your visit?"

While the women put their heads together, the men save Ilid drew close together to mutter. Ilid jerked his head to indicate Jennifer and he should retreat a couple feet distant so they could talk.

"They seem to be a good bunch. Are you okay? Nervous?" he asked.

She smirked. "I was told I'm not the first wayward youth they've worked to put on the straight and narrow. I don't see what kind of trouble I could find on the farm planet anyway. Hey, have you ever heard of cow tipping? I bet you'd be great at it." She eyed his muscular build, her grin widening.

"I don't know what cow tipping is, but it sounds as if Miss Behavior is already up to no good." He shook a finger, laughing as he tried to reprimand her.

"Ilid, Clan Amgar needs to get back to their work. We'll have to say our goodbyes, for now. We'll see you again, Jennifer?"

Jennifer kept her gaze locked on Ilid. "I certainly plan on it."

"If only to distract you from trouble." He dipped a traditional Kalquorian bow to her. "I look forward to hearing all about you toiling in the fields and keeping your shoes clean. Until then, Jennifer."

Wistful loss swept through her as he and his family said their goodbyes and walked away. For some reason, it bothered Charity "Jennifer" Nath to see Ilid go, unaware of her true identity.

* * * *

"Has it been difficult to respond to the name Jennifer ?" Sara asked as Clan Amgar's shuttle, piloted by Groteg, zipped over vast swaths of fields and woods.

"I'm getting used to it. I went under another name on Jedver, while I was at university." Charity grew glummer by the second as she viewed a few buildings in the distance. No doubt it was the town Sunrise, which was closest to the spaceport and her hosts' farm. The spaceport's scatter of landing pads and buildings covered more land than the town did.

Maybe I'm not in the middle of nowhere, but I can see it from here.

"This must be a shock to the system after the bustle of a university area and a crowded space station." Imdiko Utber was what Charity thought of classically handsome, though in a way too boyish for his years.

"This is, uh, rural. Wide open spaces, plenty of room to run wild and free, huh?"

They must have picked up on her false brightness. The trio chuckled.

"Don't worry. There are activities for young people to do besides yank weeds and feed chickens," Sara assured her.

Playing ‘dodge the cow shit,' for example. Charity had a habit of tossing such smart remarks around, especially when she was in a mood. However, Clan Amgar was doing her a favor by letting her hide at their home until the heat of being the so-called traitor General Borey Nath's daughter cooled.

She shrugged. "You don't just farm, is my understanding. Head of security and Imdiko Utber is chef to the Kalquorian governor, right?"

Utber smiled. "Which is why I can guarantee a nice meal to welcome you here tonight. How does steak, potatoes, salad, and apple pie sound?"

Her grin was genuine this time. "Like heaven. Sara, I was told you manage the farm. What does Dramok Amgar do?"

Their warmth toward her didn't diminish, but she detected a dampening of mood. Groteg's voice was quiet as he kept his attention on the shuttle controls. "Our Dramok passed eight years ago in a fire."

"Oh. I'm so sorry. I had no idea."

"It was a hero's death," Groteg said, heaviness mixing with pride. "He saved our sons."

"While Groteg saved our daughter and nearly died himself." Sara's gaze showed love as she regarded him. "My clanship to Amgar was short, but I count myself as lucky to have had the time we did."

"But let's talk about you," Utber interjected smoothly. "Your role isn't exactly a compliment, is it? Are you all right playing the part of a troubled young woman?"

"It's a shame you're coming in under a supposed cloud of mischief when you're already dealing with the actual problem of radical Earthtiques wanting to interrogate you for their own ends." Sara's pretty face took on a determined cast Charity recognized. It was the look her elder sister Hope had worn when she'd been determined to shelter Charity from a powerful man who'd wanted to force her into marriage. It was the expression her aunt Ruth had taken on when the supposedly dead girl had been outed as alive and well on Alpha Space Station.

Looks as if I found myself another mama bear. Charity was equal parts amused and dismayed.

"It's the best possible cover. We're known for taking in youths who've encountered difficulties in society. Usually we foster Nobek teens, but few will question our having you move in," Groteg said in his steady tone. Charity thought she heard an underlying this is how it is so deal with it attitude.

Very Nobek, in other words. She bet he kept his troubled wards in line easily.

"It's only a part you have to act." Sara was doing her best to soften what she believed must be a blow to Charity's ego.

The younger woman had to laugh. "If you only knew how my family would respond to this. They'd tell you no acting would be required. Don't worry; I'm usually a lot less mouthy to those I'm unrelated to who might decide I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I have no interest in giving you a reason to send me to the barn to sleep."

She earned chuckles, including from Groteg. Sara said, "Children tend to let their parents have the worst of their attitudes. Our kids' teachers go on and on about how well behaved they are, but when it comes time for homework and chores—"

"The beatings commence to get them in line." Groteg shot a grin over his shoulder at Charity to show he was joking. She was startled how handsome a smile made his somewhat stark features.

"As for the farm work, I don't expect you to do much. Just enough to keep anyone from becoming suspicious," Sara said. "I'm sure you have your studies to keep up on until you can return to school, and I want you to focus on them as much as possible."

"I don't mind pulling my weight," Charity was surprised to hear herself say. She found she meant it, however. Her instincts insisted these people, who were going out of their way to help a stranger, were the best sort. "A word of warning: I don't know the first thing when it comes to farming. Someone once gave me a spider plant as a gift. I was told it was low-maintenance and hard to kill, but it lasted only three months before my black thumb of death did it in."

"Don't worry. We'll find something for when you have to demonstrate to visitors you're helping us." Sara glanced at the window vid as the shuttle began its descent. A very Earth-style two-story farmhouse featuring a wraparound porch came into view. "Here we are. Welcome to the farm of Clan Amgar, Jennifer."