Chapter Fourteen

Steele

"As soon as I install the security here at our ranch, I will be available to go on patrol to search for Mesaarkan bases," I told Sergeant Rowe over the Cyborgs' com channel . "That should only take another day. I just got the drop by drone this morning."

"Commander Dark is sending us a six-man team of newbie protectors for foot patrol in town in a couple of weeks. They are waiting for sky cycles to arrive. But that works out just fine because our team can't be in two places at once. The newbies should be here the day after tomorrow," said Sergeant Rowe. "Lieutenant Hawk has ordered us to divide the mountains into quadrants for each of us to search. These mercenaries have likely dug out the side of another mountain for their operations."

"It would be hard for them to hide anyplace in the open. Their hover crafts and shuttles have a distinct style."

"Do you think you'll be ready to join us in three days?"

"That shouldn't be a problem. The AI defense system I acquired seems pretty straightforward. I should be able to complete installation by then."

"Acknowledged. I'm sending you the coordinates of your search area. Notify me when you begin your search."

"Yes, sir. Will do."

"Rowe out."

"Nova out."

A day later, the AI security and defense system arrived. I installed a dozen bumblebee-sized drones at key locations on the land surrounding the ranch house. Setting up the AI computer was a simple task that even Zaya could have accomplished. Connecting the weapons to the system was a little more complicated; however, I had no trouble completing it.

While I did that, Zaya fed the animals and cleaned the stalls. I would have been glad to clean the stalls and feed the animals for her, but I could see that she really wanted to do it herself. I processed that this was a time when she wanted to be alone. I knew she wasn't happy that I was going on patrol, and I felt torn about my decision. Yet, I ultimately believed that it would keep not only Zaya but also our surrounding community safer if we could root out these rogue Mesaarkans.

Zaya had already completed her chores and returned to the house by the time I finished installing the weapons arrays and testing them. I found her in the kitchen preparing our evening meal without using our food processor. She looked up as I walked into the kitchen.

I went to her and put my arm around her. Zaya set down the vegetable she was peeling and turned to me, sliding her arms around my waist and laying her cheek against my chest.

"It's okay," she murmured. "I know you have to do this, and I wouldn't try to stop you if I could. All I ask is that you come back to me."

I wondered if she knew how hard it would be for me to leave if she asked me not to. I wrapped my arms around her, and we held each other for a long time.

Although I had finished installing the defense system, I decided not to leave until morning. I wanted one more night with my beautiful Zaya before going on the mission. The last several weeks with her had been the best of my life. My virtual life in stasis barely touched the surface of what it meant to love and be loved.

I kissed her just to bask in the feel of her lips on mine. Of course, my cock sprang to life, but I did my best to subdue it. Ending the kiss, I framed her face in my hands and stared into her stunning hazel eyes, deep green with gold flecks around the iris.

"I love you, Zaya. I will always come back to you."

"And I love you," she whispered and smiled tenderly at me.

I rested my forehead against hers. "Now, what can I do to help you finish dinner?"

"You could set the table while I finish the salad. Everything else should be ready soon."

Zaya

We had a lovely meal of roasted chicken, potatoes, and salad. I had also made apple dumplings because I wanted it to be a special night before Steele returned to duty. While I was just a little uneasy about being left alone for the first time since we returned to my ranch, I was fairly confident that I would be just fine.

"Do you think the Mesaarkans will attack again?" I asked between bites as we were eating.

"We think, after the way we put down their attack in Gretchen, that they will hesitate to strike again anytime soon."

"But you can't be sure, right?"

"We calculate the odds at 80% that they will not strike again within the next ten days. However, we have no data on how many Mesaarkans are involved with those we captured or killed."

"What will happen to those you captured?" I asked.

"Our treaty with them gives them diplomatic immunity. Those Mesaarkans who are captured alive will be returned to Mesaark."

"What about the ones we killed? Will they come after us for that?"

"We will not be punished. The Saarks were on Earth committing crimes, attempting to abduct humans for the slave trade. They fired on us first."

"But not the one I killed. He came toward us. He didn't even point his rifle at us. I just shot him," I admitted.

"Only because he did not see you as a threat. You don't know that he wouldn't have shot you if you'd hesitated. If you hadn't killed him, I would have," said Steele. "Mesaarkans have killed and enslaved billions on this world alone. These Mesaarkans have broken their treaty and come here at their own risk. After what you suffered at their hands, no one will blame you."

Steele reached across the table and took my hand.

"When you put it that way, I guess I don't feel so bad." I didn't tell him that I felt worse about killing the chicken we had for dinner, even though it was delicious.

We finished eating, cleaned up, and put the stock in the barn. Back at the house, we stripped off our clothes to take a shower together. We barely got wet before Steele pressed me up against the shower wall and fucked me. He didn't have to ask; he just knew I wanted him.

I'm sure it was the result of smelling my arousal for the last couple of hours. All he had to do was press against me and kiss me, and I wanted him.

Eventually, we finished the shower, dried ourselves, and went into the bedroom, where he took me again from behind on the bed. That night, we seemed to be insatiable. I know it was because of our impending separation because Steele didn't know for certain how long he would be gone. The prospect of being apart weighed heavily on both of us.

After keeping me up half the night, Steele got up early, did all the chores, and made breakfast. Maybe it was all the nanites I received through our frequent breeding, but I realized I didn't get as tired from our extended mating sessions as in the beginning.

I had deliberately not dressed for breakfast. I came to the table wearing only an old robe. After breakfast, Steele not only kissed me goodbye, he set me on the counter, pushed open the sides of my robe, and fucked me one more time before he left.

It was deliciously naughty, and I loved it.