Page 17

Chapter 17

Cirdox

T he stars blur past the Void Reaver’s viewport as I savor the steady pulse of strength in my veins. No more fever burning through me like plasma fire, no more trembling wings betraying weakness I couldn’t afford to show. The mate-bond thrums between us, Neon’s presence a constant warmth in my mind even as she works several decks below.

“Captain.” Zara approaches, datapad in hand. Her russet fur still bristles slightly—old habits die hard after weeks of watching me struggle. “The efficiency reports you requested. And... there’s something else.”

I accept the pad, noting the tension in her stance. “What is it?”

“K’vex’s ships have been spotted near the medical facilities in Sector Seven. Again.” Her tail lashes once—a tell she’s never quite mastered. “Third time this week.”

The information sends a surge of protective fury through my blood. Even with the bond-sickness cured, the threat to those colonies burns like acid in my throat. My wings shift restlessly, casting shadows across the bridge. “Send the coordinates to tactical. Have Grig plot an intercept course.”

“Already done, sir.” Her relief at my recovered strength wars with lingering concern. “Though perhaps we should—”

“Captain,” Neon’s voice cuts through the comm, carrying that edge of steel that first drew me to her. “You need to see these energy signatures. Something’s not right about these patrol patterns.”

I feel her focused determination through our bond, sharp as a blade and twice as dangerous. My fierce little hacker, already three steps ahead of everyone else. “On my way.”

“Good.” A hint of playful defiance colors her tone. “Though I can think of several other reasons you should join me down here.”

I growl softly, my wings mantling at her teasing despite the gravity of the situation. “Behave yourself. We have work to do.”

Her laugh echoes through the bridge. “Since when has that stopped us?”

The crew pretends not to notice our exchange, but I catch Zara’s knowing smile. They’ve watched their captain fight the bond-sickness too long not to celebrate his victory. But we all know the war is far from over. The Eclipse still threatens everything we’ve built, and K’vex’s betrayal cuts deeper than any plasma burn.

The power thrumming through my veins reminds me that I’m no longer fighting alone. With each breath, I feel Neon’s presence—sharp and brilliant and full of possibility. But that connection brings responsibility, the need to protect not just my crew but the mate who’s bound her life to mine.

“You’re brooding again,” Neon observes through our private channel. “I can feel it. Come down to tactical. I’ve found something in these transmission patterns that will definitely interest that protective instinct of yours.”

“Is that an order?” I ask, already moving toward the lift.

“Consider it a very compelling suggestion from someone who knows exactly how to handle brooding pirates.”

I chuckle, my wings shifting with anticipation even as my mind catalogs threats and contingencies. The bond-sickness may be cured, but our enemies still circle like vultures in the void. At least now I face them at full strength, with a mate whose brilliance matches my own.

The tactical room glows with holographic data streams as I enter, but my attention fixes immediately on Neon. She’s bent over the main console, the blue light of her neural implants casting ethereal patterns across her skin. My gaze lingers on the smooth skin above her collar, unmarked territory that makes my fangs ache with possessive need. Now that the desperate rush of bond-sickness is past, I want to claim her daily—not from necessity but pure desire. I want to mark her again and again until there’s no doubt she’s mine by choice, not just fate.

“Look at this,” she says without turning, her fingers dancing through virtual interfaces. “K’vex’s latest transmission patterns. They’re not just coordinating attacks—they’re setting up supply chain disruptions across three sectors.”

I move behind her, my wings curling forward instinctively to cage her against the console. “Show me.”

She leans back against my chest, her body fitting perfectly against mine as she projects the data into the air between us. “See these routing protocols? They match exactly with recent Eclipse movements. Too exactly.”

“Clever little hacker,” I growl, nuzzling the spot where my marks decorate her throat. Her pulse quickens beneath my lips. “Always finding patterns others miss.”

“Cirdox,” she breathes, though her hands still move through the data with professional precision. “We should focus on—”

I spin her to face me, claiming her mouth in a kiss that makes her neural implants misfire spectacularly. She responds instantly, her fingers tangling in my hair as I press her against the console. The bond pulses between us, raw and demanding.

When we finally break apart, we’re both breathing hard. “I should get back to the bridge,” I murmur against her lips, though my wings remain curled around her.

“You should,” she agrees, but her hands trail down my chest, her fingers tracing my tribal markings in ways that make them pulse with dangerous brightness. “Though we have a few minutes before anyone comes looking...” Her touch grows bolder, exploring the ridges and valleys of my muscled abdomen with deliberate slowness.

I growl softly, catching her wandering hands. “Dangerous game, little hacker.”

“Maybe I like dangerous games,” she purrs, pressing herself against me. The heat of her body through the thin material of her tactical suit sends electricity racing through my veins. “Especially with dangerous pirates.”

My wings snap forward, caging her against me as I claim her mouth in a searing kiss. She responds with equal hunger, her fingers tangling in my hair as she arches into me. The bond between us pulses with shared need, making my markings flare bright enough to cast crimson shadows across her skin.

Later, as I straighten my uniform and she adjusts her tactical suit, she gives me that wicked smile that never fails to stir my blood. Her lips are still swollen from our kisses, her skin flushed with lingering pleasure. “I’ll be up shortly. Just need to... straighten up a bit.”

“As you command, little hacker,” I murmur, feeling her satisfaction pulse through our bond. “As you command.”

Let the Eclipse and their conspirators come. They’ll find the Void Reaver’s captain and his mate more than ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Through the newly forged bond, a subtle warmth pulses in my chest as Neon strides onto the bridge, already analyzing data streams with the intensity that makes her such a formidable hacker. Her movements are precise and efficient as she accesses the tactical station, the glow of her neural implants highlighting the claiming marks on her neck—marks I can’t help but focus on with possessive satisfaction.

K’vex materializes on the holographic display, her six hands moving in those subtly contradicting patterns that have always set my instincts on edge. “Captain Thar’Kal,” she begins, mandibles clicking with barely concealed tension. “The Brotherhood council has concerns about recent... events.”

“Really?” I let my wings spread slightly, a casual display of strength. “I wasn’t aware the council had concerns about increased efficiency and improved tactical response times.”

From her station, Neon’s fingers dance across the controls as she initiates a series of complex navigational calculations. The results appear instantly on my command display, each projection more precise than the last. Her small, satisfied smile tells me everything I need to know about her confidence in the data. The holographic faces of the other Brotherhood captains flicker with unease as they watch us work in perfect synchronization.

I gesture to the holographic display where Neon has reconstructed the Eclipse’s supply chain manipulations, showing how they’ve been systematically corrupting luminore shipments across three sectors. The data streams paint a damning picture of their operation’s scope—one that would have remained hidden without my mate’s exceptional skills.

“A thorough analysis,” K’vex concedes, though her hands never stop their restless movement. “Perhaps too thorough. Such detailed intelligence gathering could expose our own operations to unnecessary scrutiny.” Her suggestion carries a note of concern that might seem reasonable to others, but something about it raises my hackles.

Vornak’s hologram shifts, his obsidian scales seeming to catch the projection’s light despite his incorporeal form. “The captain’s methods have proven effective,” he rumbles, though his tone carries lingering skepticism. “For now, results matter more than tradition.”

Neon responds without looking up from her station, her voice carrying that familiar edge of steel that first drew me to her. Her fingers tighten almost imperceptibly on the tactical controls, betraying the tension beneath her calm exterior. “The captain’s strategies have reduced our losses by sixty percent since implementation.” She finally raises her gaze to meet K’vex’s eyes without flinching. “Unless you’d prefer we return to previous protocols?”

The subtle tension in her shoulders and the dangerous calm in her tone tell me everything I need to know about her anger, even without our newly formed connection. My fierce little hacker, always ready to defend what’s hers. The challenge in her tone makes my markings pulse brighter, pride and possessiveness mingling through our connection.

K’vex’s gaze fixes on Neon for a moment too long before returning to me. “Of course not. But with the Eclipse’s recent movements—” She spreads her hands in what appears to be a gesture of concern. “Perhaps a more distributed approach would be prudent? Smaller patrol groups, less predictable patterns...”

“Spreading our forces thin?” I interrupt, moving to stand behind Neon’s station, my wing brushing her shoulder in a casual display of unity. “The Eclipse thrives on isolated targets.” I nod to Neon, who projects our latest intelligence onto the main display. “While maintaining our current formation has actually increased our defensive capabilities.”

The holographic data fills the bridge—shipping manifestos, security protocols, tactical assessments. Neon’s eyes gleam with that particular intensity she gets when she’s found something significant, her fingers dancing across the controls with practiced precision. The slight upturn of her lips and the confident set of her shoulders tell me she’s pleased with what she’s uncovered as she manipulates the information, highlighting patterns that only her enhanced capabilities could detect.

“This level of coordination...” K’vex’s hands move in rapid calculation patterns. “How exactly do you maintain such precise formations without compromising operational security?”

“That’s need-to-know,” Neon replies smoothly, but I catch the slight narrowing of her eyes, the way her fingers pause fractionally over the controls. After years of combat and leadership, I recognize the signs of a predator sensing prey—she’s spotted something in K’vex’s reaction, some subtle tell that’s set her hacker’s instincts humming.

I rest my hand on the back of Neon’s chair, my tribal markings pulsing in time with her neural implants—a visible reminder of our connection that makes several captains shift uncomfortably. Let them be unsettled. Let them see what happens when strength meets strategy, when trust overcomes fear.

“The Brotherhood,” I declare, letting my voice carry the full weight of command, “is entering a new era. Those who adapt will thrive. Those who cling to old doubts...” I let my wings spread fully, casting shadows across the bridge. “Well, that’s their choice to make.”

The assembled holograms shift uneasily. Vornak’s obsidian scales ripple with barely contained tension while Ralith’s tail twitches nervously. Shen’va’s ethereal wings mantle slightly, their oily feathers catching the blue light of the projection. Even Drokmar’s usually impassive frog-like features betray a hint of concern.

Only K’vex maintains her perfect composure, all six hands moving in those telling contradictory patterns. “Pretty words, Captain. But the Brotherhood wasn’t built on speeches.”

“No,” I agree, baring my fangs in what might be a smile. “It was built on results.”

Neon’s quick nod and subtle smile tell me she approves, her fingers never stilling on the controls as she continues to process data. We move in perfect synchronization, each anticipating the other’s needs without words. It’s a dance we’ve been practicing since she first stepped onto my ship, now refined by an intimacy that runs soul-deep.

K’vex’s mandibles click rapidly—the only outward sign of her discomfort. “The council will want more than impressive displays and vague promises, Captain.”

Vornak’s obsidian scales catch the light as he steps forward. “Results speak louder than council debates. The Eclipse’s recent failures to intercept our shipments suggest the captain’s methods have merit.” His golden eyes narrow as he studies K’vex. “Strange that you’d question success.”

“My concern,” K’vex’s six hands move in contradicting patterns, “is for our continued survival. The Eclipse grows bolder by the day. Perhaps if we shared our defensive protocols more openly among the captains...”

Zara’s russet fur bristles as she takes her position at my right. “Interesting suggestion. Though recent data suggests information compartmentalization has actually improved our success rate.”

“Mere correlation,” K’vex replies too quickly, her compound eyes shifting between the gathered captains. “Though if you doubt my motives—”

“Then they’ll have proof of them soon enough,” I growl, baring my fangs in what might be a smile. “Starting with the Eclipse supply chain we’re about to dismantle. Unless you have objections to that as well?”

Shen’va’s white feathers ripple with interest. “I, for one, look forward to seeing how our... colleague... responds to this operation.”

K’vex’s hands finally still—a momentary pause that speaks volumes. “No objections, Captain. We await your tactical briefing.”

I exchange a subtle glance with Neon, whose slight nod confirms she’s caught the same tells I have. Her enhanced eyes track the last flickering traces of K’vex’s transmission, no doubt already analyzing the encrypted patterns for irregularities. Perfect. Let K’vex think we’re blind to her deception while she carefully positions herself to observe other captains’ reactions rather than focusing on me directly. The trap is baited—now we just need her to take it.

The bridge’s comm system chimes with an incoming priority transmission. “Captain, Officer McCoy requesting immediate audience,” Zara announces from her station.

“Put her through,” I command, noting how K’vex’s hands twitch at the interruption.

The bridge erupts in barely contained outrage as McCoy’s hologram materializes. Several captains rise from their seats, their expressions ranging from shock to fury at seeing an STI officer in a Brotherhood meeting.

“This is unprecedented,” Vornak booms, his obsidian scales rippling with agitation. “Since when do we allow STI officials into our secure channels?”

“The same officials who imprisoned Kyor?” K’vex’s hands move in sharp, aggressive patterns. “Perhaps the sickness has affected more than just your health, Captain.”

I let my wings spread wide, a display of dominance that silences the immediate protests. “The situation has changed. The Eclipse threatens more than just our operations now.” My gaze sweeps the assembled captains. “Sometimes surviving requires new alliances.”

McCoy’s hologram stands calmly in the center of the chaos, her stern features betraying nothing as she waits for the outburst to subside. Through our bond, I feel Neon’s tension spike at the precarious situation—she knows better than most how delicate this balance is.

“We can debate allegiances later,” I growl. “Right now, Officer McCoy has intelligence relevant to our immediate survival. Unless anyone objects to hearing about Eclipse movements in their own territory?”

The challenge in my tone makes several captains shift uncomfortably. Even K’vex’s hands still momentarily as she recalculates her position.

McCoy’s hologram materializes, her stern features cast in blue light as she cuts through the tension with clinical precision. Her gaze sweeps across the assembled Brotherhood captains with careful neutrality before focusing on me. “Captain Thar’Kal, we’ve detected significant Eclipse activity near the medical facilities in Vulpexia and neighboring colonies. Their patterns suggest an imminent attack.” She pauses, choosing her next words deliberately. “I know the Brotherhood typically... avoids official channels, but given the stakes, I thought you should be informed immediately.”

The subtle emphasis on “official channels” sends ripples of unease through the gathered captains. McCoy’s presence here—a high-ranking Planetary Police officer addressing Brotherhood leadership directly—speaks volumes about the severity of the situation.

I stand behind Neon at the tactical station, watching her fingers dance across the display as her neural implants pulse with concentrated effort. Her posture shifts subtly—shoulders tensing, head tilting—tells of intense focus I’ve learned to read.

“They’re not just targeting random facilities,” she says, her voice carrying that edge of steel I’ve come to admire. “Look at these distribution patterns. They’re systematically cutting off supply lines to specific colonies.”

K’vex leans forward. “Fascinating. The timing suggests insider knowledge of our patrol schedules.” The question carries too much weight, too much specific interest.

“The source of their intelligence is less relevant than our response,” I growl, my wings mantling slightly. “What matters is protecting those colonies.”

A subtle chime announces another incoming transmission. Murmurs of discontent ripple through the Brotherhood captains as Ambassador Ta’vag’s hologram materializes, his russet fur catching the blue light of the projection. Several captains shift uneasily—STI officials aren’t typically welcome at Brotherhood gatherings.

“Your presence is also... unexpected, Ambassador,” Vornak rumbles, obsidian scales gleaming as he leans forward.

Ta’vag’s fur ripples in what might be amusement. “Desperate times call for desperate measures, Captain. The diplomatic corps can provide legitimate supply routes through neutral territories. It would allow us to bypass their blockades while maintaining plausible deniability.”

“A sound strategy,” K’vex agrees too quickly, her six hands moving in those telling contradictory patterns. “But such coordination requires... delicate handling. As your most experienced trade route captain, I would be honored to personally oversee the information flow between agencies. To ensure nothing sensitive falls into the wrong hands, of course.”

I note how her lowest set of hands drift toward concealed weapons even as her upper hands make soothing gestures. She’s fishing for access, trying to position herself at the center of our intelligence network.

“Your... concern for security is noted,” I reply carefully, my wings shifting to a more defensive posture. “But given recent breaches in Brotherhood communications, we’ll be maintaining strict compartmentalization. Each captain will receive only the information directly relevant to their assigned sector.”

K’vex’s compound eyes fix on me with unsettling intensity. “The Brotherhood’s new security protocols are... quite thorough. Perhaps too thorough for efficient operations?” Her six hands move in those telling contradictory patterns I’ve come to distrust. “Surely some allowances could be made for senior captains?”

The way she probes for exceptions, for weaknesses in our defenses, only confirms my suspicions. Ever since we implemented the new security measures, she’s been pushing—subtly at first, but growing bolder as her desperation increases.

“The protocols exist for everyone’s protection,” I say firmly, watching how her hands still momentarily at my refusal. “No exceptions. Not even for senior captains.” I let my wings spread slightly, a casual display of strength that carries clear warning. “Unless you have specific concerns about your ability to comply?”

Her mandibles click once—a tell I’ve noticed appears when she’s recalculating odds. “Of course not, Captain. I merely thought, given our long history of mutual trust...”

“Trust,” I interrupt, my voice carrying steel beneath its surface, “is earned through actions, not history. And lately, some actions have been... questionable.” I activate the tactical display, highlighting recent patrol routes that coincide too perfectly with Eclipse movements. “Perhaps you’d care to explain these interesting coincidences?”

“A wise precaution,” McCoy adds, her holographic features hard as steel. “Given recent concerns, we can’t be too careful about operational details.”

K’vex’s compound eyes fix on McCoy with an intensity that makes my wings twitch. “Recent concerns? I wasn’t aware—”

“Exactly,” Neon cuts in, her voice carrying a hint of predatory satisfaction. “That’s rather the point of security protocols, isn’t it?”

The tension ratchets higher as K’vex’s hands move in increasingly agitated patterns. Through our bond, I feel Neon’s tactical mind working, piecing together a puzzle I can’t quite see yet. But I trust her instincts as much as my own, perhaps more. Whatever she’s noticed, whatever pattern she’s detected, I know it’s significant.

“We’ll begin deployments immediately,” I declare, my wings shifting with casual authority. “Vornak, coordinate with the Bravorian fleet. Ta’vag, secure those diplomatic channels. McCoy, keep us updated on Eclipse movements.” I sweep my gaze across the assembled holograms, letting it rest briefly on K’vex as her hands move in those telling patterns. “I trust everyone understands the importance of proper protocol during such... delicate operations.”

Her mandibles click once, sharply, before her hologram fades.

After the Brotherhood captains’ holograms fade, leaving only McCoy and Ta’vag’s projections illuminating the bridge, I gesture for Zara to take command. “Maintain current course and alert me to any anomalies in K’vex’s movements.”

“She’s going to make a move soon,” Neon murmurs, her neural implants pulsing with contained energy. “That last question about security protocols? She’s planning something.”

I nod, my wings curving protectively around her even as pride swells in my chest. My mate might be new to Brotherhood politics, but her instincts are razor-sharp. “Then we’ll be ready when she does.”

In my private office, McCoy’s hologram paces with contained energy while Ta’vag’s fur ripples with barely suppressed tension. The space feels smaller than usual, heavy with the weight of unspoken concerns.

“Kira slipped through our containment protocols during the facility raid,” McCoy states, her normally stern features tight with worry. “Those Eclipse enhancements gave her capabilities we weren’t prepared for. And what we’ve uncovered since then...” She pauses, jaw clenching. “The corruption goes deeper than we suspected. We’ve identified four STI officials taking bribes to ignore Eclipse operatives tampering with luminore shipments. This isn’t just isolated incidents anymore—it’s systematic infiltration.”

My wings snap wide at the mention of Kira, tribal markings flaring with barely contained fury. The thought of that traitor still hunting my mate, still threatening everything we’ve built, makes my blood boil. “She won’t escape next time,” I growl, the words carrying centuries of predatory certainty. “No amount of enhancements will save her when I get my claws on her.”

Ta’vag’s ears flick back—a sign of distress I’ve learned to recognize. “Several council members have already been compromised. The diplomatic corps remains secure for now, but...” His fur ripples again. “We can offer sanctuary if needed. My personal estate on Vulpexa has extensive security measures.”

I lean against my desk, wings settling as I consider their words. “The Brotherhood won’t abandon the outer colonies.”

“Of course not,” McCoy says, her hologram flickering slightly. “But those shipping manifests Neon uncovered... the patterns match intelligence we’ve gathered on other Eclipse operations. Especially the routing protocols through Sector Seven.” She pauses, her expression grim. “The same sector where K’vex’s ships have been running ‘routine patrols’ with unusual frequency.”

Ta’vag’s fur ripples with concern. “My diplomatic contacts have noted similar anomalies. The timing is... troubling.”

The soft chime of my private comm interrupts our discussion. Neon’s image materializes in a secure holographic window, her movements deliberately casual as she looks at data streams. She shrugs out of her worn leather jacket, letting it fall carelessly to the floor. The simple tank top beneath clings to her curves, its fabric soft and well-worn from countless hours spent hunched over control panels. Her movements are casual but deliberate as she kicks off her boots, each motion highlighting the graceful efficiency that makes her such a formidable hacker. The sight of my claiming marks on her neck sends a surge of possessive pride through me, even as her enhanced eyes scan complex encryption patterns.

“Found something interesting in K’vex’s communication logs,” she says, rolling her shoulders to ease tension. The movement causes her suit to slip slightly, revealing more of my marks. “Her transmissions are too perfect—no personal patterns, no individual quirks. It’s like watching someone perform from a script.”

I growl softly, both aroused and intrigued by her combination of professional focus and subtle seduction. “Show me.”

Her fingers dance through virtual interfaces as she sheds another piece of armor, revealing the elegant line of her collarbone. “See these timestamps? They align perfectly with Eclipse movements in the outer sectors. Too perfectly.” She stretches, the motion both natural and deliberately enticing. “Normal communications have irregularities, personal touches. These are sanitized, like they’ve been processed through multiple filters.”

“Clever mate,” I purr, watching her work with growing appreciation—both for her tactical brilliance and the teasing glimpses of skin she reveals. “You think she’s using Brotherhood protocols as cover?”

“Exactly.” Neon’s smile is sharp as she removes another piece of gear, her movements fluid and precise. “She’s feeding them our positions, but making it look like routine patrol reports. The question is, how many others are involved?”

McCoy clears her throat, reminding me of her and Ta’vag’s continued presence. “We’ll need irrefutable proof before moving against a Brotherhood captain. Evidence that can’t be dismissed as coincidence.”

“We’ll get it,” Neon promises, her expression fierce despite the deliberately casual way she’s loosened her hair. “K’vex is good, but she’s not better than me. No one who relies on stolen protocols can outthink someone who helps write them.”

I feel a surge of pride through our bond—pride in her abilities, her determination, her perfect balance of strength and grace. “Set the trap,” I tell her, wings mantling slightly as she stretches again. “We’ll be ready when she makes her move.”

After ending the transmission, I turn back to our allies. “Keep monitoring those financial trails,” I instruct McCoy. “And Ta’vag, maintain those diplomatic channels. We’ll need multiple vectors of proof to convince the council.”

They nod, their holograms fading as I rise to join my mate in our quarters. The hunt has begun, and K’vex won’t escape this time. Not with my fierce little hacker on her trail, combining technical brilliance with predatory instinct in ways that make my markings pulse with pride and desire.