Testing Truth (Cyborg Space Exploration #6) - Cynthia Sax Page 0,68

Anything said on the bridge stayed on the bridge.

Moments passed.

Truth caressed his princess’ cloth-clad stomach, sprinkled kisses over her neck, as they waited for Captain’s next query.

“Have you intercepted any communications to or from Mercury Minor, female?” Captain directed that query to the human female stationed by his side.

Captain’s female was a skilled hacker. She often monitored terrain outside of their range. “There has been nothing, which is suspicious. They would have to communicate with supply ships, yet there’s no indication of that happening.”

“We could confront the Rebels.” Truth was unable to strip the excitement out of his voice.

“Disobeying direct commands from the Cyborg Council would make us no better than the Rebels we seek to apprehend.” Captain’s lips flattened. “And Power won’t perceive five thousand, one hundred and thirty-two beings to be a threat. He won’t be as forgiving of this transgression as he was of our previous one.”

That previous transgression saved all cyborgs everywhere and had brought many of them justice, punishing their Humanoid Alliance tormenters.

But it had also banished the Reckless and its warriors to the outskirts of cyborg-controlled terrain. They had been cut off from the rest of their brethren.

“We have to speak to the entire Cyborg Council.” Captain straightened. “We’ll meet with them face-to-face and convince them of the threat.”

That was almost as thrilling as confronting the Rebels. Truth and his brethren on board the ship hadn’t seen the Homeland in solar cycles.

He would like to show his princess her new home planet. It would be an adventure. He nipped her earlobe.

His princess twitched. The scent of her arousal thickened. But her serene expression didn’t change. She was a true royal in every way and she was his.

“Chuckles, open communications with Power.” Captain issued that command.

“Opening communications, Captain.” The D Model verified the order.

Power’s image appeared beside the footage from the bridge on the royal freighter’s main viewscreen. Truth and his princess could see every contributor to the conversation.

Power wasn’t a happy participant. “You are not to communicate with me.” His chin raised. “I am to communicate with you.”

Fraggin’ hole. The E Model was arrogant.

“The Reckless requests authorization to return to the Homeland, sir.” Captain’s voice was flat and his face was blank. It was the façade their kind had showed their oppressors.

That Captain used it with Power amused Truth. The E Model would be unable to determine if it was an expression of respect or the insult Trust projected it was intended to be.

“Authorization denied.” The self-proclaimed leader of the Cyborg Council made that decision based on nothing, no inputs, no data. “Your mission, to explore all life-supporting planets in the system, hasn’t been completed.”

Captain’s jaw clenched. “This request is in regard to your most recent communications. One of our warriors has forged an alliance with the beings on a planet outside our sector.”

Truth hugged his female closer to him. Captain was using his claiming of Nancy to justify their return to the Homeland. That was exciting…and flattering.

“Your warrior doesn’t have the authority to forge an alliance.” Power glared at Captain.

Captain was undaunted. “His female is the princess of that planet.”

A flash of what appeared to be envy temporarily lit the E Model’s flat black eyes. There was a long pause. “I see,” Power finally said.

Every warrior wanted to meet his female, yet many would never have that opportunity. Females were valued. They were the future, and claiming them was a priority for warriors.

“I will meet with this warrior and his princess.” Power waved his hands dismissively. “The Reckless, its Captain, and its crew are to return to the Homeland immediately.”

The E Model ended the transmission. His image on the viewscreen disappeared.

“Woot. We’re returning to the Homeland.” Truth threw his female into the air and caught her.

She laughed.

He covered her face with fast kisses, which made her laugh harder.

“I’m ending this communication.” Captain’s glowing eyes belied his dry tone.

“Marthe.” Truth continued to kiss the sparkles off his princess. “We’re meeting with Power.” That would be a diversion. “We’ll need more garments fabricated.”

“Oh my.” The female responded with two of her favorite words.

“Yes, oh my.” He nuzzled against his Nancy’s neck. “It will be a royal event.”

His female wiggled against him. “Those tend to happen when you’re a prince.” She sounded breathless with exhilaration…and arousal. The scent of her teased his nostrils.

There would be adventure, spectacle, passion, and caring in Truth’s future.

Fraggin’ hole. He loved his life.

Chapter Eighteen

The planet rotation they were scheduled to leave quarantine, Nancy woke, as she often did, with Truth’s arms