Once Upon a Time in Space

An eRedSage Publishing Publication This book is a work of complete fiction. Any names, places, incidents, characters are products of the author‟s imagination and creativity or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is fully coincidental. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or any portion thereof in any form whatsoever in any country whatsoever is forbidden. Information: Red Sage Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 4844 Seminole, FL 33775 727-391-3847 eRedSage.com

Once Upon a Time in Space An eRed Sage Publication All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2011 eRedSage is a registered trademark of Red Sage Publishing, Inc. Visit us on the World Wide Web: http://www.eRedSage.com ISBN: 9781603106030; 1603106030 ISBN: 9781603106061; 1603106065 ISBN: 9781603106078; 1603106073 ISBN: 9781603106054; 1603106057 ISBN: 9781603106047; 1603106049

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Published by arrangement with the authors and copyright holders of the individual works as follows: Once Upon a Time in Space © 2011 by Heather Massey Cover © 2011 by Kanaxa Printed in the U.S.A. ebook layout and conversion by jimandzetta.com

Once Upon a Time in Space ***

You are about to embark on a journey to the sea of stars. This means that you‟re a fearless reader. Your soul is the very definition of romance. You eat adventure for breakfast and action for dinner. You‟re willing to risk dimensions unknown—all for the chance to experience a tale that captures the heart of science fiction romance. Therefore, I dedicate this story to you.

All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them. —Galileo Galilei

5

Chapter One Every day—no, every hour—Raquel Donovan rubbed shoulders with death. She frowned as she lorded over the deck, one black-gloved hand knuckling her eye patch to alleviate a phantom itch. It was a bothersome reminder of who she was, and what she had to do. Without fail, the damned thing always struck at the most grueling moments—times when she had to take on the mantle of Atlas bearing his backbreaking planetary load. The dull thrum of the ship‟s well-oiled systems underscored her heavy thoughts. A landscape of sleek gray lines, gleaming consoles, and spacious, well-lit bridge stations surrounded her, the best in technology and design that the military dollar could buy. The revolting display stood for everything she didn‟t: power and greed and suppression. She hated the smell and the look of it. The sensory assault made each passing minute increasingly suffocating. Her good eye narrowed to a slit. A stream of warm sweat trickled down her neck. That damned itch was driving her mad, but she knew better than to pause for additional relief. She had her reputation to guard. This operation had to succeed, for her crew‟s sake…and especially hers. Whatever the outcome, it was time for her star performance to begin. Raquel glanced down from her position behind the command station, where the Torrent‟s captain sat trussed and shackled to his chair. He was the enemy. His dress hat lay nearby, knocked off 6

Once Upon a Time in Space unceremoniously during the earlier scuffle. A lock of gray hair had escaped its confines, betraying an otherwise immaculate grooming. And yet, there was something blatantly false about all of it, a ridiculous façade just begging to be crushed. The man sat so stiffly, his posture completely unnatural. A lie, and Raquel could think of nothing worse. Even in his current, pitiful state, he, too, apparently felt the need to maintain protocol and give the appearance of unwavering control. Ha! As if it mattered. The pirate queen sauntered over to her prisoner, a panther to its prey. With the Torrent‟s bridge devoid of her crew, there was no one left to rescue him. Only three were present now—the ship‟s captain, her loyal second-in-command, and herself. Leaning down, she briefly pressed her cheek to Captain Jacobs‟ sweaty temple, bearing herself ever so still, ever so calmly. Her nostrils flared, smelling his exhaustion and outrage. Blood trickled from a gash on his forehead, framing his left eye. The blue and gray uniform he wore, formerly crisp and smooth, was now soaked with wrinkles and tears. His jagged breaths wavered through the air, a counterpoint to the idle chatter of forsaken consoles. Jacobs had endured a lot for someone his age, but so had Raquel, and at half his years. She adjusted her red ascot, tugging it more from nervous habit than the need for a pristine appearance. She and her crew had chased this lead for over a month. Now they had him and they wanted answers. When would he break? Raquel flicked out her tongue and tasted a drop of his blood. Beneath his stalwart resistance, she detected a shiver of fear. Good. Her lips brushed against his ear as she whispered in a dulcet, beguiling voice. “The pain will stop when you tell me what I need to know. Where is he?” Thrum. Thrum. Thrum. The ship itself seemed to resonate with 7

apprehension. Now it was the captain‟s move. What would it be? Would he find what little sense still resided in that thick head of his, or would he continue to tow the military line, dragging the entire ship and his crew down with him? The stream of sweat quickened its pace. Hurry, you bastard. Just tell me what I want to know and we‟re off this crate. Jacobs managed to square his shoulders despite the strangling confinement. The haute air of an officer dripped from every pore of his abused body. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, arctic blue eyes latticed with red rolled up to her. Even now, he clung to some false belief of heroic defiance. “God…damn you,” he said. “You‟ll never find him. Never.” Raquel straightened while shoving back an errant strand of her ink-black hair. What asinine arrogance! It took clenching every last muscle to suppress her rage. But suppress it she must. She had to find him—the man whose crime against her family would not go unpunished. His name was so abhorrent to her she hated to think it, let alone say it. Because of the man she was chasing, she would never again know the warmth of her family‟s love. Because of him, she was banished from Earth, exiled in the wasteland of savage space. Because of him, humanity‟s future hung in perilous balance. If the human race became extinct, there was only one person to blame— the man Raquel had long ago vowed to bring down, whatever it took. Memories burst forth, as raw and fractured as exposed, splintered bone. You have sixty seconds. Choose wisely. Anguish of indecision like a lance through her heart. Clock ticking. Tick-tick-tick. Dad, can you hear me? I‟ll free you! Cruel laughter. Impassive guards. Tell me the right code. I‟ll be your sex slave. I‟ll do anything! 8

Once Upon a Time in Space You‟ve got to help me save them! Which one? Which one? Ticktick-tick-tick-tick-tick TICK! Raquel gritted her teeth in an effort to shove the nightmarish thoughts back into her subconscious. With so much at stake, Jacobs‟ evasiveness surprised her, made her feel anxious. She detested that feeling as much as she detested any public display of her weakness, for both necessitated actions that she always regretted later. But for her family, for Earth, could she do anything less? Very well. If the little man didn‟t want to follow her rules, she would simply break them. Among other things. Raquel nodded to her second, a wiry man with cracked teeth and shredded lips. They called him “Smiley,” but a smile would be the last thing to ever cross his sour countenance. A veteran of one too many brawls, he had little in his life to laugh about. He was fiercely loyal, though, and Raquel valued that above all else. But like everything in her world, his loyalty wasn‟t given freely. After all, she‟d had to earn it. God, had she ever...! Smiley acknowledged the go-ahead with a crushing blow to Jacobs‟ right ear. The Captain groaned, but still refused to surrender the information, so Smiley obliged him again. And then again. And again. And again. Suddenly, Raquel‟s comm unit chirped, effectively breaking the moment. She stayed the assault with a raised hand before answering. “Report.” “We‟re done loading the supplies.” The gravelly voice belonged to Alvarez, her artillery man. “I can spare a few men if you need any help with the, ah, interview.” She could detect his jocular tone through the transmission, but for her part kept the exchange professional and curt. “No need. The two of us can handle it up here. Easily.” She locked gazes with 9

the beaten captain, driving the point home. “Are the dogs on this scow still secured?” Alvarez barked out a laugh “They ain‟t goin‟ anywhere.” “Roger that. We‟re going to be awhile longer, but keep the shuttle on standby.” “Acknowledged.” Raquel snapped shut the comm, killing the transmission. The Torrent, a DDG 71 class destroyer, had been an easy target while in patrol orbit around Titan. Raquel and her band had stalked them for an hour before pouncing, waiting for the right moment to scramble the ship‟s radar with their own special viral mix. After corralling the Torrent‟s crew at gunpoint down in the hold, her men disabled the main engine. Per the routine, they proceeded to strip the military vessel of its cargo. The crew meant nothing to Raquel, being of inconsequential ranks and therefore not privy to the classified information she sought. But the Captain… he must know. The trail couldn‟t have run cold yet again. Casting aside her doubts, Raquel motioned for Smiley to back away as an idea formed. “Tell you what, Captain Jacobs, I‟ll make you a deal. An equitable one you‟ll find impossible to resist.” She smiled coyly, for her “deals” were legendary. “All I ask is one simple question, nothing else. Just tell me where he is, and then we depart.” Raquel leaned in closer. “Do that, and I won‟t kill your crew members one by bloody one.” Jacobs sneered at her openly. “Don‟t take me for a coward. Or them.” Raquel eyed him as her stomach tightened with dismay. No doubt he needed his own semblance of bravado to live up to for the sake of his men—or his career. Well, too bad. Sympathy was a rare commodity these days, and an emotion she could ill afford 10

Once Upon a Time in Space lest she delay her mission. “Why. Captain, I‟m disappointed. I took you for a man with some sense in his head.” She smirked. “I guess I was wrong.” Jacobs snorted. “I have sense enough not to reveal anything to the likes of you. The men will die if need be, so I don‟t know why you‟re wasting our time.” He spat blood. “Or yours.” Crimson drops splashed her black shipsuit just above her knee. Raquel frowned again, more from annoyance than disgust. She bored into him with her good eye while her gloved hand squeezed the butt of her weapon, a vintage Enfield, resting in the holster of her gun belt. “One final chance! What‟s his position?” “For God‟s sake! I told you, I don‟t know.” With cold precision, her slender fingers released the clasp. “I don‟t believe you.” “Even if I did know, I wouldn‟t talk. Kill me now and have done with it.” A resolute expression surfaced past his bruised and bloodied features. “Because if you don‟t, I‟ll hunt you down for the rest of my days.” “Oooh, how scary.” Raquel hugged herself in mock fear. “Smiley, we‟d better start running.” The scowl on her ill-named crew member darkened. If ever that man were in a joking mood, it certainly wasn‟t today. Raquel silently commiserated. This face-off had lasted long enough. Curtailing the ridicule, she regarded Jacobs in icy silence. Smiley shifted to the balls of his feet, poised and eager to continue his persuasions. She, however, was eager for the interrogation to end. By now, the captain was too bloody and broken to be of any further use, not to mention disgustingly stubborn. Despite her threats, very little about the situation indicated that even the deaths of his crew would squeeze more information from this callous man. He‟s willing to sacrifice them to protect him. Why? 11

Just because he‟s one of the military‟s own? The answers eluded her as much as did relief for that plaguing itch. This was insane. She shouldn‟t have to resort to such lengths. But she had already slammed down the gauntlet. Retreat was impossible. Thumbing open a channel on her comm unit, she prepared to contact Alvarez. Before she had a chance to relay the order, however, another transmission came through, this time from Norris. Odd. The Deathraven‟s navigator rarely had reason to contact her during a raid. As usual, she braced for the worst. “What is it?” “Bogeys, Cap‟n. Either the bastards sent an S.O.S. before we boarded, or they got lucky.” “How many?” “Eight.” Raquel cursed, and then berated herself for letting a feeble emotion like surprise unravel before a military man, one of her sworn enemies. She couldn‟t risk him concluding that she feared this turn of events. Quickly gathering her thoughts, she asked for an ETA. “Twenty minutes.” Damn! She had lost another chance to flush the rat from his hole. Make no mistake: I will have vengeance. I‟m coming for you from the pit of your nightmares, and I won‟t stop. Ever. She consoled herself with the thought that at least her interrogation aboard the Torrent would reach the bastard‟s ears through some official channel or other. He was somewhere in known space—she knew that much, at least. The chase had lasted for seven years now, having begun the day she turned eighteen. She could pursue him until she was a hundred if need be. Or until her death, whichever came first. Raquel appraised the damaged prisoner a final time. Eyes 12

Once Upon a Time in Space glazed over with pain, his head drooped forward. If she could have seared her wrath and anguish into his memory she would have done so. Unfortunately, this plane of existence limited her to clumsy, much less poetic alternatives. She issued one last order to her second. “Finish it.” The coded command contained instructions for Smiley that would ensure Captain Jacob never forgot what happened here, or whom he had just crossed. Groans of protest arose from the captain, but she ignored him. The least mercy given might cost her everything she‟d built. Spinning on a heel, Raquel nearly ran, panting in her effort to reach the lift that would transport her down to the docking bay. It seemed that no matter how strenuously she tried to avoid them, her ghosts haunted every decision she made. Behind her, Jacobs howled with agony, producing ear-splitting shrieks that reverberated down the metallic shaft. Apparently that fatuous, martial demeanor of his did have its limits. Limits that shattered as his right eye was taken from him. **** “Report!” Raquel barked out her command as she strode onto the Deathraven‟s bridge. Here, at least, in the familiar embrace of her ship, she had a measure of control over her environment. It made for a welcome relief because she needed all the control she could muster. Settling into the captain‟s chair, she keyed her console out of standby mode. Following suit, Smiley entered and resumed his station, just below hers. The dark, cramped operations center buzzed with activity. The shuttle transporting the boarding party had docked only minutes before the military fleet swooped into that sector. Barely enough time to plan a defense strategy, but they would have to make do. In the black heart of space, the measure of a pirate was how 13

inventive she became when life threw nothing but meager scraps at her. Raquel swept her gaze upward. Judging by the data streaming across the main view screen, the enemy vessels had aligned into a staggered two-column attack mode and were now approaching. Sensor alarms screamed everywhere like obstreperous children vying for attention. Regardless, now back in her own ship, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. A keypad grooved with repeated use soothed her anxious nerves as she pulled in data from the other stations, studying the fleet specs. Fenton‟s baritone voice reached her first, left hand momentarily adjusting his earpiece. “Captain LaRoche of the Albuquerque already made contact. He‟s ordered us to stand down and surrender. Twice.” Muddy brown eyes from beneath a pair of unruly brows glanced her way. “Want a playback?” “No.” Raquel didn‟t need one. She had been down this path before. They all had. Opposite communications, on the starboard side, her radar guru Vojtech spewed updated coordinates and routed the images to the main view screen. “They‟re within firing range now,” he said. Pale skin and a shock of white hair bathed in the glow from his screen gave him the appearance of a ghoul. “Six destroyers and two Firebird class patrol ships against one.” He sniggered, then added loudly, “Pussies!” Ignoring the inevitable guffaws, Raquel stared through the twin rectangular viewports. She meditated briefly, calculating their odds and evaluating options. “Alvarez, any special equipment we should know about?” “Nah. Standard munitions,” replied the short, burly man. “But we‟re outgunned any way you figure it.” “Fenton, when do they expect an answer?” 14

Once Upon a Time in Space “Five minutes ago.” “Incoming!” “Shit, did you see that?” Fenton‟s exclamation came just as a flash of light blasted the bridge, originating from the port side. Low rumbling quickly followed, and the deck vibrated. “Sorry, Captain,” Vojtech grumbled. “That one took me by surprise.” “Make sure that‟s the last time.” A shout arose from engineering. “Warning shot, my ass!” “Steady, Ule,” Raquel said. “Yes, ma‟am. Scanning for damages.” The engineer flipped back a thick braid of brown hair studded with colorful bits of cloth and contemplated the ship‟s schematics dominating his screen. “A laceration in the hull. Nothing breached.” He turned toward the captain‟s station. “Orders?” As the crew awaited her decision, Raquel crossed her legs, studying the screen. Briefly, she attempted to block out all the noise. At that moment she wanted nothing more than to be far, far away, not only from her ship, but from this charade of a life. It was a passing wish, a fruitless, frivolous wish because years of torment dictated she could never allow such vulnerability. Not here. Not anywhere in the shadowy nether regions of space. Raquel could feel it breathing down her neck, a colossal beast of tentacles and malice hovering in wait, salivating and greedy for any lapse of judgment that would allow it entrance into her weak human flesh. Experience had taught that a loyal crew, generous armament, and a reinforced hull were the most deceptive of safety measures. A sigh escaped her. Despite the reality, Raquel had expectations to uphold. And after the Jacobs setback, part of her itched for a 15

down and dirty fight. At the very least, they would have to break through the ranks of the fleet if they valued their freedom. Raquel decided an engagement was in order. Reclining, she summoned a sultry, slow burn of a grin. “What are you waiting for, boys? Your mommas‟ milk to come in? Blast them into dust!” Hoots and hollers sparked like lightning across the bridge as her crew locked safety harnesses, computed targets, and opened the ship‟s arsenals. No doubt they were in the mood for some action as well. Over the years, Raquel had labored diligently to equip the Deathraven with the most powerful artillery the vessel could absorb. It was long and blunt-nosed, like a shark, but with hundreds of concealed weapon compartments, it boasted a hundred times the ferocity. The fruits yielded had been well worth the effort. In the loose, cutthroat network where pirates came and went, the Deathraven was one of the few junks that had survived conflict with the military juggernaut. It was also one reason Raquel never lacked for skilled crew. Satisfied with her decision, she oversaw the attack from her command station. Eight arrays of cannons on the exterior foredeck spat venomous, white hot plasma fire. “The house specialty,” as Ule preferred to call them. The fire sliced through hulls as though they were made of cloth instead of metal. From the Deathraven‟s underbelly, “Shanghai Surprise” torpedoes burst in rapid succession from their shafts. Short-range scanners relayed back grainy images, but it was enough to perceive the damage. The crew watched gleefully as the projectiles punched gaping holes in the hull of the nearest destroyer. Someone quipped it looked almost as ugly as Smiley‟s mouth. Despite the successful volley, Raquel grew impatient. “More! We have to hit them harder!” There were times when impulsive 16

Once Upon a Time in Space risk-taking had been the only factor ensuring their survival. This was one of those times. At Raquel‟s urging, Norris changed course, carving a daring path alongside another enemy ship, this one a patrol vessel by its markings. As the Deathraven shot past, a cluster of pulse laser cannons on the starboard side demolished half of it with pinpoint precision. Raquel gloated openly as the vessel jumped wildly off course and collided with one of its own. Both ships fragmented violently moments before they burst apart in a fiery conflagration. Regardless of this small victory, the battle had only begun. The fleet attacked. One vessel, which their scanners identified as the Lynx, peppered the Deathraven with a barrage of torpedoes that scarred the fore primary deck and clipped one of the main cannons. The wrenching impact forced the ship into a sudden thirty-eight degree starboard tilt. Engines screamed as navigation compensated just in time to avoid collision with a destroyer aptly named the Havoc. The Havoc wasted little time in firing a full broadside. Raquel knew the hazards grew exponentially by the minute, but by now adrenaline had unleashed an army of devilish minions to uproot every thicket of reason. She issued rapid-fire orders, forcing her crew to attack more, to push back harder, and to show no mercy. The heat of battle was demanding but seductive, like a pair of new lovers attacking each other‟s bodies with rapacious greed. She demanded nothing less from the men and women under her command. They had to be ready when the time came to face her ultimate nemesis, because failure was not an option. The fleet advanced further, tightening its noose. Let them come. Raquel and her crew had taken out three of their ships. When would they ever learn? The feud between outlaws and the Space Defense Corps dated to the birth of jump technology nearly sixty 17

years ago. Just because the United States military instigated aggressive tactics to control the entire galaxy didn‟t mean the rest of humanity had to lie prostrate before it. Freedom was at stake, and not solely for pirates. If the people of Earth didn‟t relish eternal burial in the coffin of the decaying planet, they‟d do well to shoulder weapons instead of a yoke and join the cause. But for now, the dispute was manifesting on a much smaller scale, between the Deathraven and this meddling fleet. Raquel studied her screen. Which one to destroy next? The bridge felt warm and stuffy as exertion pumped sweat and heat from their overworked bodies. Or maybe it was the adrenaline coursing through her. She peeled off her gloves and wiped her damp forehead. There were so many tasks to juggle. She felt enormous pressure to process every single report and track each new development as the battle unfolded—whether she needed them or not. She ordered her crew to target the next destroyer in their sights, one by the utterly pretentious name of Fair Windham. They ripped into it like wolves feasting upon a corpse. Each successful round of artillery fireworks brought triumphant shouts, gleeful dares, and swaggering one-upmanship… until the real damage reports began piling up. “Moderate damage to the middle gun deck.” “One of the port torpedo shafts collapsed.” “Sensors indicate a hull dent, aft, approximately two meters. Negative on a breach so far.” “Four laser cannons are out of commission, Captain.” The damage wasn‟t extensive for a vessel the size of the Deathraven, but it could multiply like hives, given enough time and miscalculations. Though they could hold their own for a few more rounds, the cost far outweighed the benefits. It was 18

Once Upon a Time in Space imperative that her ship remain in peak operating condition at all times, ready to face the showdown for which she had been preparing all these years. Raquel weighed her options, and they all pointed to a strategically timed retreat. This pirate had bigger game to catch. After relaying the new order, she inquired about the nearest escape route. Norris jabbed hard at his console for a few moments. Then he swiveled around to face his captain. “I recommend we jump to Nereid. Now.” Raquel nodded in approval. The eccentric orbit of Neptune‟s largest, outermost moon would help mask their presence. “Get us there in one piece.” Though she and her team had demolished nearly half of the enemy ships, the recollection of the failed interrogation made her feel as though she had accomplished very little this day. Now she wanted nothing more than a cold, desolate rock where she could quietly lick her wounds. The countdown began. As the main engine served up a distinct grumble, the military fleet redoubled the attack, no doubt picking up the jump sequence data spilling from the ship‟s core. Thrusters firing, the Deathraven angled sharply to whiz through the closing ranks of the opposing vessels. In a matter of seconds, it blinked out of existence. **** Amid heavy turbulence, the pirate vessel emerged from the jump straight into the vast shadow of Nereid. The harsh depths embraced the Deathraven like a black-winged fiend from some ancient, forgotten dimension. While the crew shook off residual headaches and disorientation, Vojtech conducted a radar sweep that offered the desired information. They were alone. After a brief respite for food and sundry personal matters, the crew began repairs. With every twenty-two of their complement 19

pulling a shift, Ule projected a completion date of two days. Minor damage incurred from the abrupt jump added several more hours to the workload. Regardless, they wouldn‟t stop toiling until they restored the black-hulled vessel to its former health, with neither a conduit out of place nor a microprocessor exposed. After contributing her share with a ten-hour stint, Raquel left the final tasks to her senior crew members. Throwing herself into the backbreaking work, she had acquired more sore muscles than she cared to count. Even the brief ride on the private lift to her quarters atop the bridge tested her body‟s limits, and the sweat alone must have deducted several pounds. Right now, she wanted to wash, eat, sleep, and with any luck, clear her weary mind. She desperately anticipated the break. With the supplies netted from the Torrent, it might even promise some relaxation. She would eat downright swanky for a while, at least until the next raid. After distributing some of the pretty baubles among her crew, many still remained that could be traded for parts or anything else they might need or want—particularly information on a certain man‟s whereabouts. She made a mental list of the best underground shipyards at which to hawk their wares. After that, her quest would continue. Raquel stepped from the lift and paused, taking a long moment to breathe in the fragrant air of her cabin. The sweet scents alone were a soothing balm for her aching body. Drinking in the sight, she reflected it was perhaps the least appropriate décor for a notorious outlaw such as herself, at least in terms of what was expected. She missed it sorely whenever duty called. Being in essence a mini-greenhouse, her quarters sheltered a variety of plant life. In every available space, tiny shrubs and other greenery were stowed in pots and containers. From dandelions to lush grass to a bonsai tree that had cost her a year‟s worth of 20

Once Upon a Time in Space spoils, the cabin bloomed with living relics from Earth‟s past. A few flowers dotted the array, rich with velvety petals and spiked with vibrant colors. Raquel glanced about her, assessing the battle damage. Dislodged, some of the inhabitants lay strewn across the deck, but she would attend to them soon enough. The idea had sprung a few years back when she had learned about a soil alternative in which plant life could easily grow, coupled with specialized lighting that mimicked the benefits of sunshine. It was a poor substitution for life on a healthy planet, however. Like her, the plants would never know such a luxury. She knew why the seeds were so scarce. Very few varieties of flora had been salvaged from the scorching heat of an unbearable climate that destroyed all of Earth‟s vegetation in the mere span of a century. As the ecological crisis escalated, leaving a cancerous blight in its wake, humans began seeking refuge in subterranean caves. Fear and instinctual need for survival overrode the development of alternate living arrangements. As a result, nations around the globe poured funding and technology into two projects that bled all others dry—a mass underground relocation project, and the development of space-faring technology. But within decades, Earth‟s crust began to weaken. Every time Raquel thought about the colossal tunneling machines burrowing into the planet‟s innards, she couldn‟t dislodge the image of a giant, viscous parasite that had sunk its rapacious hooks into the planet, sucking the very life from the formerly blue-green jewel. Locating another habitable planet became all the more urgent. Yet for some mysterious reason, the rise of the Space Defense Corps had led to a moratorium on colonization enterprises. Despite her best efforts, Raquel had yet to discover the political reasons behind the military‟s stranglehold. Its propaganda merely served to perpetuate the myth that pirates were intent on 21

destroying the human race. Ironically, most pirates were military defectors. With Earth‟s future jeopardized, many would undoubtedly consider Raquel‟s verdant sanctuary to be an eccentric, antiquated hobby. Nevertheless, she had to have it. The botanic refuge was an unparalleled haven and her one indulgence. Being rootless, and lacking a partner with whom to share her life, it was really the only place she could call home. In company with her greenery, she didn‟t have to keep up her guard. She didn‟t have to worry about others judging her. If any of the crew thought the botanical explosion a queer hobby, nothing was ever said. Rather, they didn‟t say anything if they valued their tongues. Reluctantly, she pulled back her fingers from the soft petals of a yellow rose so she could strip off her work clothes and bathe in the sani. These days, the technology made bathing a mechanical act. Robotic. Lifeless. Nearly a decade had passed since she had taken a real shower. It didn‟t matter that her only access to one had been in a communal bathhouse. Setting the controls for a three-minute chemical spritz, Raquel regretted having ever taken the experience for granted. The memory still clung like dew. The shock of the hot, gushing water had instantly aroused her. She closed her eyes, recollecting the feel of the silky liquid dousing her naked skin. The water had coursed over her breasts and belly like a lover‟s hands caressing her naked flesh. Around and around she turned, allowing the warm spray to coat her hair, her thighs, her buttocks. The thin wafer of soap in her palm was little more than an excuse to rub the tender mound of her sex with increasing urgency. The water pounded away at her. All she could think about was that elemental joining. Working her fingers rapidly, she‟d brought herself to a sharp orgasm that left her trembling. When 22

Once Upon a Time in Space the shower ended, she reveled in the fresh, clean sensation as glistening droplets slowly evaporated from her body. She had felt reborn. Once, her father had shown her images, frozen in the depths of the net, of people taking baths in tubs practically overflowing with water. Life-giving water flowed freely from inexhaustible sources, or so it seemed at the time. Not only that, countless shots of skimpily clad bodies swimming in lakes and oceans taunted their beggared descendants. Instead of anger, she felt only sadness. Do you realize what you‟ve done? Since then, Raquel had acquainted herself with much more evidence of humanity‟s wanton exploitation of natural resources, but she still couldn‟t imagine such indulgences. She badly wanted to live “on” Earth again, even if it meant languishing deep beneath the planet‟s surface. The lakes and oceans and swimming could stay in the past if it meant having her feet on solid ground. No matter how overcrowded Earth might become, Raquel would give anything to return. Even two feet of space would feel like paradise. If she had someone to share it with, that would be even better. But there was no time for yearning. Not when he was still at large. Once clean, Raquel slipped on a nightdress and radioed for Chef to serve up a meal. Thanks to the raid, instead of flavored bar rations she would eat true, re-constituted vegetables, soy products, and grains. Raquel often wondered how the military came by such delicacies. Habitats ravaged by corporate neglect and personal irresponsibility couldn‟t possibly sustain plant life. Obviously, the military had access to some sort of classified technology, which they probably justified hoarding in defense of their desire to protect citizens from outlaws such as herself. It figured. Once sated, she dimmed the lights and curled up in bed. The 23

ordeal had left her emotionally and physically depleted. Before long, her eye grew drowsy. But she couldn‟t sleep. Thoughts stirred. Restless memories surged forth, thrashing, bashing, crashing through her defenses…. Trembling, eyes blinded by sweat. Which code? Pressure like a jackhammer splitting her skull. Choose wisely. Time is up. Up, up, up! Press the key. Do it now! Hope, then… familiar faces, faces she loved, slumping to the floor, one by one…. Gone from her sight… unconscious… never to rise again. Failure. Loss. Shock. Failed them. Failed Earth. Mom! Dad! Raquel gasped as she abruptly exited the flashback, her phantom eye burning like hellfire. Guilt followed, branding her with its black mark for infinity. Only with a few rounds of disciplined meditation did she achieve a state resembling calm. She burrowed under the covers. When sleep came, it wrapped her in a tight cocoon of inescapable horrors. **** A cycle began of repair, eat, sleep. “Stay vigilant or stay dead,” went the pirate saying. Close to fifty hours later, repairs neared completion. Raquel had been asleep for only a short while when Vojtech radioed to request her presence on the bridge. She picked up coffee on her way, a preciously robust and smooth brew compared to the sludge they usually had. If one could call what they drank coffee. Covered mug in hand, she approached Vojtech at his station. “What is it?” He directed her to three bright blips on the screen. The data indicated the presence of space-faring vessels. Non-military. Minimal weaponry. Highly unusual. Projecting their course, 24

Once Upon a Time in Space Vojtech predicted the mystery ships would sail right past the Deathraven‟s current location in a matter of hours. Raquel quickly ordered him to maintain a vigil as she took her station. Then she asked her second to assemble a boarding party. An unexpected shudder passed through her. Fear? No. Giddy anticipation? Yes, most definitely… but there was something more. A puzzle, and one Raquel very much wanted to solve. Her beverage grew cold as she considered the ramifications of this new development. A very good development. Quite a change, she reflected, from the usual bounty. She and her crew were accustomed to preying upon two types of vessels— military craft and the junks of other pirates. A fragile code of ethics prevented the sacking of the hidden shipyards, which in turn left precious few options for outlaws or entrepreneurs who strove to survive in the harsh, bleak landscape of uninhabitable space. It was a wonder that incidents of starvation and cannibalism didn‟t surface every week. During raids, Raquel had stumbled upon more derelict tombs of emaciated corpses than she cared to count. That‟s a fate we must avoid. As she focused her attention on the screen, a predatory anticipation tightened her lips. Undoubtedly the travelers, whatever their identity or purpose, were completely unaware they were barreling straight toward an ambush. Unbidden, the memory of her father‟s face rose in her mind. He was frowning. Frowning at her. Raquel winced slightly before pushing the vision away. In its place, a shrewd, venomous black spider unfurled its long limbs to weave its deadly web.

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Chapter Two “No. No, I don‟t think so.” Nick Venture stared upon hearing his boss‟s words, utter disbelief compressing his stomach muscles into tight knots of raw nerves. This can‟t be happening. The drably lit office in which he sat overflowed with machine parts and repair tools. A dusty, oily smell clung to everything. With his six-foot-four frame stuffed into a straight backed metal chair, Nick suddenly found the rat hole even more claustrophobic than usual. He kept his voice neutral as he responded. “I remember pretty clearly that a few months ago, you said I‟d be up for a promotion after the Hallstrom Tunnel Project. I did a damn good job, too. Helped net a few more contracts for Omnigroup, as I recall.” Nick squared his shoulders. He had to send a clear message that he wasn‟t a fly to be brushed off. “Take some time to reconsider, Bruce.” The Parts & Services manager pulled hard on a fat cigar as synthetic as his personality. “Is that so?” He exhaled noisily. “Because I‟m pretty sure I would never tell you such bullshit.” Thick lips twisted in a sardonic grin. “I don‟t like to tease, Nick. I‟m just not that type of guy.” To Nick‟s left, deep vibrations bludgeoned the door ajar, as if to echo Bruce‟s callous joke. Sharp screeches followed. He knew from the sound that out on the work floor, his five-person team had started repairs on the Freeman model cutterhead from the last job. If he was going to successfully nail this promotion, it was a distraction he didn‟t need. After kicking the door shut, he 26

Once Upon a Time in Space extended his palms forward in a gesture of negotiation. “I‟m only asking for what‟s fair. Ten years is a long time to bust my ass for this outfit.” Nick hardened his gaze. “That ought to be worth something to you, as I‟m sure you understand.” “So says you. Budget‟s tighter than ever. With excavation going so deep, the risks are bigger. The CUCP is getting picky about awarding contracts. Competition is at its highest levels in fifty years.” Bruce narrowed his eyes. “That oughta be something you can understand.” Nick frowned. “You‟re not making any sense. Four months ago, I asked and you said because of my excellent record I was guaranteed to make shift supervisor. What the hell changed?” Bruce sighed, his shoulders sagging like a sack of the cheap ration granules Omnigroup International provided for meals so employees wouldn‟t wander off during breaks. The image only compounded Nick‟s annoyance, especially because the promotion translated to a one-room apartment that made his sleeping berth seem like a rivet in comparison. He had no intention of leaving without it. Bruce pointedly divided his attention between Nick and the bank of operation monitors before him. “Timing‟s gone to shit, that‟s what changed. The goddamn Feds have been cracking down like vipers ever since the Alaskan collapse. They‟re stuffing so many new safety regulations down the throat of excavation companies that it‟s coming out our asses, and believe me, the shit stinks.” He grunted. “What does all this mean? It means we gotta tighten our belts. Selfishness isn‟t going to win you any points, Nick. Just be grateful you got a job.” Nick‟s right hand twitched, but he stopped it just short of clenching a fist. Unfortunately, Bruce was right. When the crust covering Alaska had disintegrated about two months ago, millions 27

of people had died. Vast numbers of mangled corpses now lay buried under rubble. Those not entombed by jagged rock were exposed to the harsh surface climate, rotting and baking in the triple-digit temperatures. Then there were the earthquakes, the deadly leaks of hot gasses, the volcanic eruptions… the dangers went on and on. Life on planet Earth had become a nightmare bordering on insanity. With so much at stake, Nick wasn‟t about to burn any bridges. Not if he wanted to keep his job. On the other hand, he didn‟t intend to surrender easily. “Let‟s work out a deal. I‟m willing to have my pay deferred for a month or two if it‟s a matter of budgeting. Or, give me a probationary period. I‟ll work double shifts—” Bruce jabbed his cigar at him. “What are you, a goddamn puppy? I said no. Review‟s over. Get back to work.” “No. Just listen to me.” Nick paused, mentally composing a list of his achievements so he could refresh his boss‟s memory. A loud scrape tore through the office as Bruce abruptly turned in his chair. “You know, Nick, I don‟t think this is working out.” The earlier feeling of claustrophobia returned with a vengeance. “What?” “You. Here. This job.” A moment of tense silence passed. Then, “You‟re fired.” “What?” Nick jumped to his feet. “On what grounds?” The cigar bobbed violently as Bruce leaned back and took a particularly long pull. Acrid smoke gushed out along with his answer. “Insubordination.” “For chrissakes, that‟s a crock and you know it!” “I got over two thousand wannabes who put in applications this week alone. Think you‟re so indispensable?” Bruce shook his head in disgust and resumed his task at the monitor. Tap tap tap. Pull. 28

Once Upon a Time in Space More smoke coiled about his head, a hissing cobra poised for the next strike. Sweat beaded on Nick‟s forehead. This wasn‟t just about pride. This was his life. Financially… emotionally… he couldn‟t lose this job. Anger spurred him into action. “I don‟t know what kind of game you‟re playing, but I‟m taking it north.” Meaning he‟d report to Bruce‟s supervisor, and to the one above him if necessary. With a practiced motion, the cigar shifted from one end of Bruce‟s mouth to the other. “Go right ahead. And just for that, you can take your whole damn team with you.” Nick froze, hands fisting so tightly they shook. “That,” he began, voice thick with disgust, “is against the law. You have no grounds to fire them.” His mind spun. It was one thing to fire Nick, being single, but three of the men on his team had families. What if they couldn‟t find work? A cold chill lined with razor sharp teeth clawed his gut. It would be years before they‟d qualify for federal aid. The children…. Shit, they‟ll be on the streets! And it will be my fault. As these disheartening thoughts churned in Nick‟s mind, Bruce shot him a withering gaze. “Seeing as you know so much about the law, Nick, I guess you‟ll save a shipload of money on legal fees.” Snorting, he reached for his earpiece. “Now, you gonna go quietly or do I have to call security? Oh, and I submitted your pink slip already. For you and yours.” Tap tap tap. **** Nick exited the workshop for the last time, glancing back only once as the building sank into the steel-gray industrial swamp of New Commerce City. Above, a mishmash of lighting grids stretched as far as the eye could see, eking wan radiance for a waning world. As he blended into the jostling mass of bodies on Abraham Walkway, each step seared the concrete beneath with 29

anger and guilt and regret. In a single instant, he had ruined any chance of a decent future. Failure shadowed him as he walked, gripping his soul with rapacious tentacles of doom. Of course, Bruce made Nick break the tragic news to his team. It didn‟t go well, either, not at all. Their hard, unforgiving stares burned into him, fueled by infernos of resentment. A sigh escaped. He deserved their scorn. Even now, their scowls seemed painted upon the face of every stranger that glanced his way. Why couldn‟t he have left well enough alone? Nick had counted every one of those men as his friend. As a group, they‟d spent much of their free time together. But now, Nick could say adios to all of that. No more rounds of drinks at Logan‟s. No more sparring in a makeshift boxing ring after hours. No more venting sessions about the grimy, backbreaking working conditions. Instead, he had inherited a trunk full of guilt that he didn‟t know how to resolve. The other thought Nick wanted desperately to avoid plagued him like a sore that refused to heal. Where was he going to land a job? His handful of savings wouldn‟t be enough to carry him for more than a few months. Not only that, but he could kiss his housing goodbye if he didn‟t find employment soon. Departing Abraham at 114th Street, Nick joined the crowd and trudged down the endless concourse. The vast numbers of people residing and working underground necessitated an engineering labyrinth of unfathomable proportions just to pump in oxygenated air. Insufficient circulation that afternoon gave rise to a pungent slag of odors, like burnt mildew mixed with decaying flesh. Wrinkling his nose, he decided to stop for a drink. It wouldn‟t solve his problems, but maybe he could forget about them for a few minutes. The Hellcat was packed. Customers jammed the grimy watering 30

Once Upon a Time in Space hole no matter what the hour. Shoved between two tenement buildings, the seedy, shadow-filled dive was little more than an alley with a roof where drinks were sold. Nick shouldered his way to the counter. “Large beer,” he told the bartender. After soothing his dry throat with a few chugs of the synthetic brew, Nick scanned the net on his portable for a job. But no matter how hard he searched, nothing appeared that matched his skill set. Stumped for the moment, Nick drank more beer and idly watched the television mounted on the wall behind the bar. A pair of talking heads relayed that day‟s national news. Bright white banners filled the screen, held aloft by the sea of marchers plodding along a thoroughfare in subterranean San Jose, California. The emblem of a blue sphere shot through with black lettering etched most of them. Nick recognized the initials immediately: “A.F.E.,” the Advocates For Expansion. They were chanting. Heigh, ho, it‟s time to go. Find a new planet to reap and sow. Heigh, ho, listen to me: Leave this Earth if you want to be free. The words were always a variation of the need to colonize another planet if humanity wanted to avoid extinction. But where would they all go? Search after search for a habitable planet had yielded nothing, at least according to military representatives. Regardless, the A.F.E. refused to let the matter drop. Nick felt generally supportive of their cause, but sadly, their efforts seemed to be going nowhere. One news report bled into the next, and the next. Nick watched as a political pundit excoriated one of the presidential candidates. Opponents were vilifying her as the “Terra hater” for her sympathetic stance on space exploration and colonization. As the dismal poll numbers flashed up on the screen, he pursed his lips. Sorry, lady, but you don‟t stand a chance. 31

Then an ad ran, full of bold colors and soaring music, expertly designed to pluck at every patriotic heartstring. With housing at a premium, no wonder so many people enlisted in the Space Defense Corps. After training was completed, they assigned most of the new recruits to duty aboard a starship. Undoubtedly, the quarters were tiny and uncomfortable, maybe worse than a berth. The battles against rogue nations and pirates promised a galaxy of danger. But to travel among the stars…. “The Space Defense Corps,” boomed the final words of the disembodied voice, “where heroes are forged.” Nick was contemplating signing up himself when the man next to him erupted in raucous laughter, chased by the smell of sour breath. Frowning, Nick raised his cup for another sip and watched the scene unfolding beside him. Two men had sandwiched a female customer between them. Lank brown hair, acne scars, and a misshapen nose wouldn‟t be winning her a beauty contest any time soon. She stared into her half-empty cup with vacant eyes. Stiff muscles protruded from a gaunt frame, betraying her discomfort. The men seemed oblivious to everything around them as they blatantly flirted—if one could call pawing and bawdy catcalls flirting—with the sad creature. Nothing was safe from their beastly intrusions, not even her breasts and buttocks. They spewed derogatory names along with their spittle, and suggested so many raunchy sex acts that Nick‟s stomach lurched. He glanced around to see if anyone else seemed bothered by the scene, but there was such a glut of people that the harassment went virtually unnoticed. Well, that wasn‟t exactly true. He had noticed. Nick raised his cup, drained it, and set it back on the bar with a firm thud. 32

Once Upon a Time in Space No matter what, this woman‟s life would probably always be worse than his. Stepping behind her, he assumed the most cheerful expression he could muster without looking like an idiot. “Brenda,” he began, hoping she wouldn‟t question the fabricated name, “how are you? It‟s been ages. Let me buy you a drink and we‟ll catch up.” Nick held his breath. Would the ruse work? The woman turned, but her pale-eyed gaze seemed lost. Then the nearest of the two marauders possessively stuck out an arm. “Whaddya take us for, ya mary? I know you don‟t know the broad, so get lost.” Amazingly, the woman started playing along. She even managed a slight smile. “Hi, Ted. It… sure has been awhile.” Ted? Nick pursed his lips, then immediately slipped into a grin. “Yep. Unfortunately, I‟ve been busy with work—” “I said, get lost!” The insolent words, along with the man‟s abrupt shove to his chest, triggered Nick‟s breaking point. All the day‟s misfortunes unraveled, bursting through tenuous seams. The job loss, the despair on the faces of his team, the plight of this helpless woman, and even the suffering of the whole goddamn Earth. He channeled all of it into a quick, hard punch just under his opponent‟s solar plexus. Surprise barely registered in the man‟s face before he crumpled to the floor. He rolled away in pain. As if sensing danger, the other customers immediately peeled away from the conflict. The shift in movement alerted Nick to the second man‟s attack, but it wasn‟t enough warning to avoid the blow. A knuckle grazed his head, and it smarted like hell. His eyes watered and he blinked rapidly as stars flashed before him. His vision cleared just in time to dodge a second incoming fist. Nick retaliated with a boxer‟s instincts, socking the man‟s ears and neck with three successive punches. He threw another and 33

missed. Then he cursed instead of ducked, and his opponent bludgeoned his cheek with a fist of iron. In his mad rush, Nick only vaguely felt the stinging pain. Though hot blood soaked his mouth, he retaliated with a series of strikes to the man‟s gut. Shouts permeated the bar, but he was too embroiled in the fight to pay attention. Then his arm stuck. What the hell? Snarling, he twisted violently to fend off this new attack. His glance fell onto the trio of police officers that suddenly surrounded him. How had they arrived so fast? He was trying to defend a woman‟s honor. What kind of idiot called the police for that? The complaints echoed uselessly in his mind as the officers wrestled him down within seconds. Now cuffed, the rough floor scraping his right cheek, Nick had no choice but to go slack as they read him his rights. Risking a look upward, he searched desperately for “Brenda,” the woman who could clear his name, but she had disappeared along with the rest of the crowd. A booted foot slammed his head back down. Aw, hell. Bloody, goddamn hell! After roughly hauling him up, the officers herded Nick into the police van along with his opponents. He slumped down in a haze as the electric van careened away, sirens blaring. Somehow, he had made a horrible situation infinitely worse. After twenty-six years without even a minor offense, he probably faced assault charges. He had just been arrested for a good deed! The bumpy ride propelled him mercilessly against the hard surface of the vehicle‟s interior. Skin chafed beneath the tight restraints. Confusion rattled him more. How could his fate have changed so quickly? If this was karmic payback of some kind, Nick would gladly atone. Name your price, God. Go ahead and name it already! Of course, no answer came. He suppressed a groan. Right 34

Once Upon a Time in Space now, he ached for nothing more than to retreat to an empty, wide open space and lick his wounds. **** Assault and battery. Guilty. Labor sentence. Alcatraz. Shocked, Nick stared at the judge‟s image on the large flat screen in the drab, minimally furnished courtroom. Mouth precipitously dry, he couldn‟t speak at first. Was it really so advantageous that the streamlined legal system processed crimes in a matter of hours? He was an American citizen. Didn‟t he have rights? “I want to appeal!” he shouted, but by then the screen had gone black. “The nature of the crime makes you ineligible for an appeal,” said his public defender from a screen to his left. Then that image, too, went dead. The heavyset guard forced Nick to his feet and escorted him out. That‟s what I get for being a Good Samaritan. I should‟ve just left it the hell alone. These regrets and more mauled his brain while a surge of anxiety threatened to strangle his oxygen supply. Clearly, he had become stupidly ignorant about the consequences of fighting in public. With such extreme overcrowding, legal safety measures necessitated a heavier hand than in the past. But he never would have suspected a one-way trip to one of the satellite prisons. Especially Alcatraz. A labor sentence was the worst kind of punishment. Prisoners were forced to work under heinous conditions on various contract projects. Food and water had been deemed unnecessary luxuries because overpopulation made it expedient to dispose of as many people as possible. And the work supply was limitless. Furthermore, electronic implants stunned the hell out of anyone who refused to work. Escape was impossible. 35

Except by death. He shut down the thought as the guard prodded him along an endless white corridor deep in the recesses of the courthouse. Rank air deadened his nostrils. “Where are you taking me?” he asked numbly, after the millionth or so checkpoint. “Holding cell. Later, you‟ll be processed for the next shuttle out.” “How long will that take? I want to speak with my lawyer.” Instead of answering, the guard stopped and palmed a security panel on his right. As the door slid open, he strong-armed Nick toward the opening. “Get inside.” Nick stumbled forward into the cell. Dim lighting made it nearly impossible to see. Not that there was anything to see. Narrow and low-ceilinged, it contained only a metal slab and a toilet. The whole place stank of urine and feces. The door closed behind him, and the only life he had ever known vanished forever. His jaw muscles tightened. Was this really the end? What a stupid question. Of course it‟s the end. An unremitting wait followed. He fell into a state of chilly lethargy. After that, fierce cramps developed, pinching greedily at every muscle. Nick lapsed into an uneasy slumber, marked by dreams of unseen hands jettisoning him out into deep space. At one point, he thought he heard the door open. Was it already time to depart? Reluctant to cooperate, he kept his face turned toward the wall. But when a draft of cool air pierced the cell and a guard‟s voice failed to summon him, Nick glanced up. There, in the entrance, stood a prim looking man of East Indian descent. He stepped inside. The door shut behind him. The details registered slowly. An impeccably white suit draped his lean frame. His short, straight black hair was parted so precisely down the middle it could have been set in stone. Strands 36

Once Upon a Time in Space of black and gray fused in a sparse but neatly trimmed beard, tapered to a wisp of a curl. Though advances in optometry had rendered lenses useless, the man wore a pair of silver-framed glasses. One hand clutched a slim briefcase and the other hung straight by his side. Dark, crinkled eyes regarded him kindly, but Nick detected a sly intensity in the pointed stare. Voice slurred by exhaustion, he shared his first impression nonetheless. “You‟re not a guard.” The stranger smiled, flashing a set of even, white teeth. “No, I am most certainly not. You, however, are Mr. Nick Venture. Isn‟t that correct?” Nick arched a brow in surprise. Without question, this stranger wanted something. Suspicion flooding his gut, he forced himself to sit up. His voice croaked out between dry, cracked lips. “Yeah, that‟s right. Who are you?” The man took a step closer. “My name is Doctor Vishwakarma Raj Maheshwary. Everyone calls me Dr. Raj. Please,” he said with a decline of the head, “you may also call me Dr. Raj, if you wish.” Alarmed, Nick swung his body from the slab and lurched to his feet. Hair dampened with sweat blocked his vision, and he flipped it back with a sharp twist of his neck. He meant to face this new danger head on. “What kind of doctor? What are you going to do to me?” Dr. Raj maintained his stance as a quiet tsk tsk passed from his lips. “I assure you, there is nothing to fear. However, it is advisable that we save the rest of the formalities for later.” Dr. Raj paused and lowered his voice. ”You see, I have a proposition for you. A very dangerous one, Mr. Venture. I cannot guarantee that you will survive what I wish to propose. So please, choose wisely.” Nick‟s mouth fell open involuntarily. What was this all about?

37

Chapter Three “What kind of proposition?” Even as the question sprang from his mouth, Nick wondered if this was some weird psychological test perpetrated by government minions. Yet intrigue coursed through his body as his heart began to pump with excitement. If it meant any chance at all to escape the clutches of Alcatraz…. But that was crazy thinking, wasn‟t it? “It‟s for a very important task.” Dr. Raj‟s hand shot up for silence as Nick opened his mouth to speak again. “You have questions, and I have answers for you. But not here. Let us travel to a secure location where we can have a nice chat.” „A nice chat‟? Who is this guy? Then another question presented itself. Why was a simple mechanic like him being singled out? “I don‟t understand. You can have your pick of prisoners. What‟s so special about me?” “All will be revealed, I assure you. But not here.” Nick wasn‟t sure he liked the sound of that. What could be more secure than a jail? “Wait a minute. No offense, but why should I trust you?” Dr. Raj pursed his lips. “You prefer Alcatraz, perhaps? In fact”— he paused to check an antiquated timepiece attached to the briefcase—“the shuttle departs in about twenty minutes.” Wincing, Nick realized he had no choice. Not if he wanted to live, or at least prolong his life for a few more days. Maybe even weeks. Before answering, he lobbed another inquiry. “When we get to this „secure location‟ of yours, what if I refuse?” Dr. Raj opened his briefcase and withdrew a small black band. 38

Once Upon a Time in Space “Much as I am reluctant to take such precautions, I must insist that you wear this tracking device. If you decline the proposition, I will report you to the authorities. There will be no second chance, Mr. Venture, and I will be unable to help you further.” The answer wasn‟t entirely unexpected. But by now, he was practically salivating for his freedom. He hoped this choice was worth the cost. Nodding, he met the doctor‟s gaze. “I‟ll do it.” Then, he felt as though he should provide some kind of reassurance. “I promise. I won‟t try to run.” For a moment, Dr. Raj stared at him with an unfathomable expression. “I know.” Nick frowned. How could you know? But he wanted to leave as soon as possible—like right now—so he voiced none of his concern. Dr. Raj knocked on the door. Moments later, it opened. A guard appeared in the opening. He and Dr. Raj exchanged looks. Then a slim, sinister looking object appeared in the doctor‟s hands. Nick stared at it suspiciously. “What the hell‟s that for?” Before he could protest further, the guard shoved him against the wall. Within seconds, Nick felt the sharp jab of a needle in his neck. As sluggishness washed through him, he slumped to the floor feeling angry and betrayed. The doctor bent over him, saying something about a precaution. Nick‟s head fell back as he slipped away into darkness. **** He found himself in an icy wasteland. Nick scowled. Why had that doctor sent him here? Above him, the sun blazed, but its light seemed cold and detached rather than warm and nurturing. Shielding his eyes, he gazed around the landscape, empty save for a lone mountain looming on the horizon. Something glinted on a high ledge. Nick 39

had to investigate. Maybe it would provide the answer he needed. He sprinted ahead—faster and faster. When he arrived at the mountain‟s base, he continued running. Wind rushed past him. He felt like a wild, powerful animal. Two thirds up the snowy slope, he reached his goal: an exposed shard of ice. Within it, a beautiful hand clawed toward the sky. A fierce hunger gripped him, but not the lustful kind. An overwhelming need to protect and save dominated his thoughts and heart. Finally, he would matter to someone. With his bare hands, Nick started to dig. He discovered a woman trapped in ice. The frozen coffin obscured her features, but there was no mistaking the onyx river of hair flowing down one side of her naked body. At that point, he became aware of his own nudity. But instead of feeling cold, he was on fire. Then everything became clear. He‟d use the heat of his body to thaw her. Nick penetrated the ice easily, separating her body from the chilly grave. Who was she? Her frigid skin looked ice-blue pale. He began vigorously rubbing his hands along her arms. She didn‟t respond. He extended his reach to her breasts and belly. Would that be enough? It wasn‟t. Nick anchored his arms on either side of her shoulders. Lowering his head, he touched his lips to hers. They were so cold, they burned. He coated them with his warm breath. Eventually, they thawed enough to part. He deftly explored the inside of her mouth with his tongue. There, at least, he found a kernel of warmth. This woman needed him—he was sure of that. Silently, he called to the sun for warmth, channeling it through his body and into hers. He would not allow the wasteland to claim her. He had a feeling this desolate place would transform into a thing of beauty if 40

Once Upon a Time in Space they could just be together. Nick slanted his head to kiss her from yet another angle. With a breathless cry, the woman awoke. His actions must have been effective, because she fervently returned his kisses. As their hips met, her core flared with heat. It was a distress call of primitive need he couldn‟t ignore. Wouldn‟t ignore. Nick urgently rubbed his body against hers. Her tight nipples jutted against his chest. Around them, the ice rapidly turned to slush. Heat surged through him. Hot desire concentrated its power in his erection. The woman arched against him. They felt so right together. He settled between her thighs with a moan of yearning. But before they joined, Nick had to know one thing. “What‟s your name?” he whispered. In that instant, a powerful force swept him away into nothingness. **** When Nick awoke, he found himself on a cot facing a plain white wall. The air against his exposed skin felt cool. Its clean smell helped clear the residual grogginess from his head. To his amazement, he was also unshackled. Where was he this time? He sat up and turned around. “Ah, so you‟re awake,” said a voice. Nick glanced up as Dr. Raj walked toward him, carrying a white cup. “I‟m sorry for the injection, but it was a precaution of utmost necessity. I can‟t yet entrust you with the details of our current location.” He handed Nick the cup. “Water,” he added. Nick eyed him warily, but accepted the beverage. “Whatever you hit me with sure causes some weird dreams. Not the best way to earn my trust, Doc.” Dr. Raj nodded. “Once you hear my proposition, I‟m sure you‟ll 41

understand the need for secrecy.” He swept his arm about him. “My lab,” he announced. Nick had never seen a scientific lab before. The amount of space in it left him slack-jawed. Expensive looking fixtures shone soft amber light. He saw several large screens, a holographic star chart, and an assortment of unrecognizable instruments. Maps of all sizes and kinds adorned the walls, ensconced in protective covers. A few seemed antiquated, judging by their yellowed appearance. Entering this lab was like traveling back in time. Well, at least it‟s not Alcatraz. Nick turned to Dr. Raj, who was now standing by a desk. Dr. Raj flashed him a smile and patted the back of a blue chair. “Please, Mr. Venture, have a seat.” “Call me Nick.” He sat, and then glanced down at the desk. Only a computer screen and a small lamp occupied its richly polished surface. Is that thing made of real wood? After a few gulps of water, he stared pointedly at the doctor. Dr. Raj removed his jacket and hung it across the back of his own chair. Once seated, he began tapping away at the screen. Then he presented it to Nick‟s view. “Here are my credentials.” He gestured toward the information. “Take all the time you need. The short of the story is that my background is in astrophysics.” Nick dutifully scanned the list of universities, positions, and awards. He was tired, though, and the life and times of Dr. Raj began running together. “I trust you‟re a man with a solid education,” he said while leaning back. “But this is all pretty bizarre. Don‟t keep me in suspense. What‟s your proposition?” Dr. Raj regarded Nick over steepled fingers. The meager light from the desk lamp left his face in shadow. “Certainly,” he said, nodding slowly. “But first, let me tell you about the planet we have 42

Once Upon a Time in Space discovered.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “A new world that can sustain human life….” New world…? No way. Nick was hearing things. He had to be. Yes. This was all a crazy dream and he was still back in the county jail, pumped full of drugs for psychotic people. A habitable planet? Impossible. But…what if it were true? Despite his initial cynicism, Nick realized there was a part of him that wanted desperately to believe. The existence of a planet where humans could thrive was incredible news. The kind that would save the human race news. Then a wary thought occurred to him: If a new planet was theirs for the taking, it should have been all over the InfoNex. How could an entire world be kept secret? Immediately he knew this Dr. Raj must be lying to him. “Bullshit.” Nick replied. “How could you keep the whole population in the dark about another planet?” Dr. Raj swung the monitor back and tapped it a few times. He pointed to a large screen on the opposite wall. “You don‟t have to believe me, Mr. Venture. Believe the evidence.” The screen jumped to life with a computer animated sequence that spelled it out for a layperson pretty clearly. Ten minutes later, the sequence froze on the last image. It was small, it wasn‟t very clear, but apparently, there it was: A planet exactly like Earth, right down to a sun and moon. According to the report, “Chiang 752 B” was in a newly discovered star system beyond the Aquarius Galaxy. Yet the information didn‟t explain the doctor‟s purpose in bringing him here “Okay, so let‟s go with that for the moment.” Nick frowned as a second thought arose. “By the way, who‟s „we‟?” Dr. Raj nodded. “„We‟, Mr. Venture, are the Collective. Many years ago, a few select scientists formed the group, knowing from 43

our respective studies that Earth was in grave danger. We began exploring alternate plans to living underground and turned a most curious eye outward—” he waved a hand above his head—“toward the outer limits of the galaxy and beyond. There is a very good reason we have not yet revealed the existence of this planet.” His voice grew a shade quieter, as if the walls had sprouted ears. “The Space Defense Corps exerts total control over the established galactic territories. Haven‟t you ever wondered why no civilians are allowed passage aboard a starship? Even international law forbids corporations to build space-faring vessels. The military claims the reason is for global security. Yes, there are the rogue nations and such, but the reasons are still quite vague and entirely unconvincing.” “How do you know the military hasn‟t already discovered the planet? I mean, if they‟re the only ones flying around the galaxy….” “Excellent question. One of my colleagues works for the Corps. To his knowledge, the military has not been engaged in active exploration. You see, it would require a cover-up of vast proportions. Nevertheless, we were not entirely convinced any government, even the U.N., had the best interest of Earth at heart. Therefore, we decided it would be most prudent to keep our plans classified.” “How long have you known about it?” “We discovered the planet about three years ago. Why not sooner, I am sure you are wondering. Chiang 752 B is so distant that we had to develop new technology simply to find it.” He paused to take a sip of water. “Though initial data shows that there is a strong possibility this planet is equal to Earth in all of its resources, there are always statistical errors. May the gods forgive us if we have miscalculated, but that is why we decided to recruit you.” 44

Once Upon a Time in Space Nick‟s head swam with a thick glut of questions. He parted his lips to speak. The doctor, however, held up a hand for continued silence. “It is imperative that the planet does not fall under the control of the U.S. military. To that end, we decided to organize a reconnaissance mission, one to claim this planet for everyone, not just the rich and powerful. I am hoping that you will accept the position of commander. That is our proposition to you, Nick Venture.” Slowly, ever so slowly, Nick straightened. He could only stare at Dr. Raj. The idea of him leading some sort of space mission was so unbelievable, he wondered if the scientist himself was delusional. But if not, he understood the need for secrecy. A group of rogue scientists was funding a dangerous mission whose outcome would change the course of human history in a monumental way. Nothing would ever be the same, although the benefits were clear. Why cling to a dying hunk of rock? Unexpectedly, his breath caught in his throat. This journey to Chiang 752 B meant more than colonizing another planet. Saying goodbye to Earth, that‟s what it meant. She was still humanity‟s dying hunk of rock, the birthplace of all forty billion or so of her citizens. In a flash of insight, Nick realized that by accepting this offer, he might never return to Earth. There was an even stronger chance he could die during the mission. Enlisting in the Space Defense Corps was one thing, but traveling in a vessel with no other support, with only a hull between his body and the dead vacuum of space, was definitely another. His thoughts flipped to the other side of the debate. Here, he was a wanted man. A criminal. Regardless of how he viewed it, he was a dead man anyway. But on the new world, he‟d be able to start over. He couldn‟t even begin to imagine the kind of life he‟d 45

be able to live. He would see a sun! Oceans! Trees! Though everything would need to be built from scratch, the challenge exhilarated him. Despite the fantasies, Nick still had unanswered questions. “What about the military, Dr. Raj? I‟m not saying I‟ll do this, but if I did, how am I supposed to avoid them?” The doctor sighed. “A most prudent concern. If the military captures you, you are as good as dead. At the very least, they will transport you to Alcatraz to carry out your sentence.” “Then how—” “Precautions have been taken. If you accept our proposition, I will explain them in much detail.” Nick scratched at a temple. “Fine. But… why me, Doctor? I don‟t know anything about piloting a space ship, or astronomy, or… or planet…ology. What‟s the deal?” Dr. Raj hurried to a nearby cabinet, from which he retrieved a thick portfolio bound in vintage leather. He laid it carefully on the desk, as though it were a swaddled infant. “The more apt question, Mr. Venture, is who else but you? Here. I don‟t expect you to read all of this, but of course, you may. It will explain why we chose you.” Nick opened it carefully. It was a collection of official-looking documents, all bound in preservative laminate. The first was old… very ancient, in fact. Its contents were written in a language he didn‟t recognize. “Ligurian,” Dr. Raj supplied in response to his questioning look. Not much help there. Nick scanned it, completely at a loss about what he was supposed to find. Dr. Raj pointed to a spot halfway down the document. Nick had to study the dense, ornate script intensely to determine the words, and eventually, to his surprise, he thought he recognized the name. 46

Once Upon a Time in Space “„Cristo… foro… Colombo‟. Is that…” He glanced up as a chill tunneled down his spine. “That‟s Christopher Columbus, isn‟t it?” Beaming, Dr. Raj nodded. “This is his genealogical record. Proof of every direct descendent is in that binder. Now look at this.” With great care, he turned to the last document. Nick followed his down-stretched finger. There was something familiar about this one. Familiar because it was a printed facsimile of a modern birth certificate. Familiar because it was written in English. Familiar because— My birth certificate? He glanced sharply at the doctor. “What‟s this doing here?” Dr. Raj chuckled while resuming his seat. “Of course, you are very surprised. What you hold in your hands, Nick, is the result of a most painstaking effort by the Collective. Well, I spearheaded the effort, to be honest.” “So if I‟m to believe this,” Nick said, gesturing to the book, “I‟m related to Christopher Columbus.” Dr. Raj nodded. “Not only related, but the last living descendant.” “The last?” “To the best of our knowledge, yes. Once we discovered Chiang 752 B, we realized only a person of the highest caliber would be suitable to command the mission. Indeed, it took many years to locate you. I was alerted when your name was routed through the criminal justice database.” He smiled kindly. “I had meant to approach you sooner, but that is how the wily nature of Fate works her magic, is it not?” “Wily” wasn‟t particularly Nick‟s interpretation of the recent downturn in his life, but he let it pass. “So, let me get this straight. You want me to lead a mission to the new planet and do what, exactly?” 47

“Why, discover it, of course! Who better to command the mission than Christopher Columbus reincarnated?” The quirky scientist beamed, as though this were the most normal line of logic in the world. Nick wasn‟t convinced, especially not by the reincarnation bit. “Come on, Doctor. I‟m no spaceman.” He rubbed his chin. “Even if I am Columbus‟s last descendent, isn‟t the idea of me following in his footsteps a little—I don‟t know— ridiculous?” The slam of the doctor‟s hand on the desk reverberated loudly throughout the lab. Nick froze. More power lurked in that man‟s lean frame than he would have guessed. His voice thundered just as ominously. “It is not ridiculous, Mr. Venture. Your very existence is a sign! A sign of hope.” The doctor briefly smoothed part of his hair. “It is a chance to claim the planet for the common man and woman. Should the Space Defense Corps learn of its existence, surely there goes the last breath of our oncegreat Earth. Why do you think the A.F.E. lobbies so diligently for exploration? Population control policies have failed for the last century. I cringe to think what may happen if the current population excess continues unchecked. We must act now, before the planet is lost, or Earth will kill us all!” Nick understood the stakes. But what if he failed? He didn‟t relish the thought of living like an outlaw, especially in space where he‟d be at the mercy of black holes and ruthless pirates. However, the argument always circled back to the labor sentence. Alcatraz terrified him more. And there were the five men he had let down. He owed it to them to try, and maybe negotiate land on their behalf. The next thought made him brighten. There might be a scrap of real estate in it for himself as well. And if he had someone to share it with? That would be even better. He thought of the woman from his dream. Before, he‟d never had 48

Once Upon a Time in Space much to offer a lover. Now, he‟d have a whole planet to give her. For better or for worse, Nick arrived at a decision. Standing, he gave Dr. Raj a resolute stare while extending his hand. “Okay. You got a deal. Just tell me what to do.”

49

Chapter Four Dr. Raj clasped Nick‟s hand with both of his, head bobbing in satisfaction. “First, you will need a means of travel,” he said, pulling on his jacket. “Oh! Before I forget….” Dr. Raj motioned for Nick to extend his wrist, the one bearing the tracking device. He removed it. Nick had not realized how tense his shoulders had become until they jellied with relief. The task completed, Nick‟s fate thoroughly sealed, Dr. Raj gestured with two fingers and led him out of the lab and into a maze of corridors marked by dark green walls and utilitarian lighting. “I will show you what we have prepared for your journey.” After a five-minute walk, they arrived at a nondescript steel door. As they stepped through the doorway, darkness engulfed them. The cool air and weighted silence gave Nick the impression they were on the edge of a vast open space. Dr. Raj left his side and approached a lighted console set into the wall. He tapped a few buttons. Lights ignited in the far distance, eventually coalescing into two parallel lines of immense floodlights. They seemed to stretch endlessly into a cavern of smooth gray surfaces. As his eyes adjusted, Nick saw that they stood on a catwalk many stories high. An underground hangar? How much wealth does this Collective have? He looked past the edge of the rail and then recoiled in surprise. Below were three gargantuan objects. It was as though great sleeping beasts crouched in the shadows there, like the dinosaurs 50

Once Upon a Time in Space of old. Dr. Raj appeared at his side. “May I present your ships, Commander!” As he spoke, colossal lights kicked into action from above to reveal equally colossal vessels. Nick gaped, for he had never been this close to a starship before, let alone three. Dr. Raj pointed in turn. “The Niña, the Pinta, and your flagship, the Santa Maria!” Mesmerized, Nick stared at the sight before him. It was more than beautiful. The vision before him was majestic. His gaze caressed each one, the mechanic in him falling in love with the squat vessels, their clean lines, and the tiny nubs formed by their bridges. Polished almost to a fault, their silver hulls gleamed so brightly that Nick imagined himself in the presence of three shiny stars. Dr. Raj sighed. Nick caught him wiping away a tear. “Beautiful, are they not? Call me sentimental, but I believe the spirit of your ancestor makes you a most suitable candidate to lead this mission. It is only right that you journey in vessels he would have been proud to call his own. Come, come! It is time to make your inspection.” As they rode a lift down to the hangar floor, Dr. Raj described the ships‟ specifications and capabilities. This continued as he escorted Nick on a tour of the Santa Maria from bow to stern and from bridge to bottom. Nick barely comprehended any of the technical aspects. He understood about jumps through subspace, but little about the others. Dr. Raj explained that each ship was equipped with specially engineered “sails” to harness the energy of solar winds for travel in normal space. But the jump unit harnessed tachyon particles and too many polysyllabic thingamabobs for any layperson to understand. Nick just hoped the ships came with a 51

user-friendly manual, or at least a friendly engineer. First they inspected the docking bay with its single white shuttle, enough to accommodate all twelve crew members. Next was the engine room, a spectacular hybrid of large and small columns snaked with millions of pulsing, fibrous veins, all of which produced eerie patterns of rhythmically alternating bluewhite light cast onto the room‟s vaulted deckhead. Nick then followed Dr. Raj back up to the third deck. According to the doctor, sickbay was largely computerized, thus eliminating the need for including a doctor aboard each ship. Nick hoped he wouldn‟t need either one. Above the bridge, a pleasant surprise awaited him. The captain‟s quarters on the uppermost interior deck. The size was incredible, plenty of space in which to stretch his long limbs. A console station inhabited one corner. Two chairs, a bunk, and a table completed the furnishings. The tour continued. The bridge had features identical to those he had seen in net images of Space Defense Corps vessels, albeit on a much smaller scale. Whereas a military vessel boasted numerous stations ringing the bridge, here aboard the exploration ship there were only three: Engineering, Radar and Communication, and Navigation. As Nick studied the bridge, he discovered one distinctive feature that utterly set these ships apart. An old fashioned navigation wheel jutted from the deck, a few meters below the raised captain‟s station. Constructed of a dark, polished alloy, it had the ability to rotate three dimensionally, as Dr. Raj briefly demonstrated. An adjustable navigation console with attached screen hung from above. This spindly apparatus moved in tandem with the wheel‟s position, enabling the helmsperson to set and monitor the course while operating the wheel. 52

Once Upon a Time in Space Dr. Raj explained that the ships ran largely on automatic functions. “Even so,” he added, “the wheel is a more glamorous way to travel, don‟t you think? Also, each ship is equipped with an anchor.” Nick turned to him with an inquisitive expression, one hand still caressing the wheel. “Why anchors in a space-faring vessel?” Dr. Raj shrugged. “You never know,” he said. Great, Doc. Could you be a little more vague? More explanation followed. Nick learned that the ships required only twelve people each to crew them. All were equipped with enough supplies to last for a year‟s journey. This new twist gave Nick pause. “Do you expect it to take that long?” “No. It‟s simply a precaution.” “How long will the journey take, then?” “As long as it takes.” The doctor moved fore of Navigation to stand before Engineering. Nick glanced longingly at the wheel, half wanting to spin it wildly around. “Well, one little problem you still haven‟t explained is the military patrols. How will I evade them?” “Ah, you see… here,” Dr. Raj said, motioning for Nick to join him at a console. The doctor tapped at the screen for a few moments. A display of complicated specs appeared. “The ships are equipped with cloaking devices. I won‟t bore you with a technical explanation, but suffice it to say that the ship becomes invisible to radar when the device is engaged. Not even the military possesses this technology.” Nick nodded in hearty approval. “There are two drawbacks,” Dr. Raj continued. “The ships cannot jump while cloaked, and the device utilizes a disproportionate amount of the ship‟s energy.” 53

“Meaning?” “Meaning it must be used sparingly. Of this, I implore you. A failsafe mechanism shuts it down in the event of excessive power drainage.” “What about artillery?” “There is a small arsenal of laser cannons,” Dr. Raj informed him. “All three ships are equipped with a modest quota of torpedoes as well.” “Seems awfully stingy. What if another ship attacks?” Dr. Raj cleared his throat. “This is a mission of peace. The best weapon you have is your ingenuity. As for a shield, that would be your courage.” Nick wasn‟t sure he liked the sound of that at all. Unfortunately, at this point he was neck-deep in his commitment, so he made a mental note to avoid being attacked at all cost. Crossing his arms, he glanced around the bridge one more time before settling his gaze on his companion. “So, ah, am I supposed to pick one of the ships?” Dr. Raj chuckled. “Not at all, Nick. All three will make the journey. There may be dangers yet uncharted in the sea of stars, so we built three vessels. Each is insurance in the event something happens to the others. You will command from your flagship, the Santa Maria, as did your forefather. But you won‟t be going alone. Indeed, far from it.” Suddenly he began studying Nick‟s face as though it were a scientific specimen. “I can see that my little tour has tired you. Come!” Pivoting sharply, he strode from the bridge. “I will show you where you can rest and clean up. After you are suitably refreshed, I will take you to meet your crew.” By then, it was past two o‟clock in the morning. Following a light meal, Dr. Raj showed Nick a private room with a bed where 54

Once Upon a Time in Space he could catch up on sleep. He also provided him with medication and bandages for his cuts and bruises. Shortly after the doctor left, Nick shut off the light, removed his clothes, and stretched out on the bed. He closed his eyes, reveling in the extra space, but wasn‟t sure he could sleep. So much had happened over the past twenty-four hours, and his very bones seemed to tremble with excitement. Soon, although the doctor hadn‟t specified exactly when, he‟d be launching into space. Aboard a starship! It was too fantastic to comprehend. His thoughts wandered further. What would the new world be like? He pictured himself living on an old-fashioned farm surrounded by miles of open land. Or maybe near the beach, so he could watch the sun rise over the ocean every morning. Immediately following that fantasy, his future mate sat beside him on the sand, curled up in his arms. Would she be anything like the woman from his strange dream? They‟d be naked under the stars together every night, he knew that much. A home on the new world would mean so much more if he could explore it with someone he loved. Her warm, fragrant skin would mix with the salty ocean breeze, intoxicating him. Despite the long day, Nick grew swiftly hard at the thought of their bodies pressed together as he lowered her to the soft blanket. She‟d arch her back as he kissed her neck, exposing her firm breasts to the open sky. Then he‟d have to caress them, of course. All over. Squeeze them gently. Roll her nipples between his fingers until they formed into tight little points. He‟d lick and suck her breasts until they glistened. Nick grasped his cock and began to stroke himself. The idea of making love to a woman of his own in nature‟s wild embrace awoke a fiercely carnal hunger inside him. He couldn‟t think of a better way to consummate a new relationship, one he 55

wanted to last forever. The fantasy expanded faster than he could control it. His lover would cry out as he slid a hand between her thighs. The feel of her sex, all downy hair and silky folds, would feed his own arousal, stretching his cock beyond its limits. He imagined himself pressing his hand against her hot, sensitive mound. Relentlessly, he‟d rub her there until she was panting and her sex shot its honeyed contents into his hand. Smiling impishly, she‟d rise and push him onto his back. Draping his body with hers, she‟d come at him like a lioness, devouring his mouth with her demanding kisses. Nick imagined he could taste the salty tang of the sea on her lips. Her feasting would continue unabated, all the way down to his rock-hard shaft. Above him, the stars would dance, sharing in his elation as his future lover took him deep into her mouth. He moaned aloud at the thought of her velvety tongue swirling around the swollen head of his cock. Breathing heavily, Nick pumped himself while all the aches and pains of the day faded to a distant memory. Again on the fantasy beach, he coaxed his lover onto her back. He spread her thighs. She shivered as he trailed a finger from the inside of one knee all the way to her opening. Unable to wait further, Nick buried himself inside her. The ocean sent cool air to lap against his heated skin as he thrust, resulting in a rising tide of an electric sensation he wanted never to end. The woman bucking in pleasure beneath him cried faster, harder, over and over. Who was he to refuse? Since the daydream was his alone, he thrust as hard and as deep as he could, his pace unrelenting. Waves crashed upon the shore, drenching their legs and buttocks. As he imagined her legs wrapped around his waist, Nick fantasized that they cried out their 56

Once Upon a Time in Space pleasure as they both came, their bodies shuddering against each other in bliss. Beneath his hand, his cock spilled a copious amount of seed onto the sheets. The unexpected release left him panting. A sudden ache filled his heart. A fantasy was one thing. Nick was acutely aware that finding a real, live woman with whom to start a new life presented its own unique challenge. The prospect of a new planet motivated him to prioritize that quest. Nick vowed to find her, whoever and wherever she was. Warm and drowsy now, he finally drifted off to sleep. **** A knock woke him several hours later. Nick hastily dressed and opened the door. Dr. Raj stood there, as stately as ever in a light blue suit. “Good morning, Nick. Did you sleep well?” Nick nodded, fending off a yawn. “Excellent. Come, then,” the doctor continued. “I will show you where you can get ready.” Not only did the doctor provide him with much-needed bathing arrangements, but he also gave him a collection of new clothes. Relief flooded him, because he hadn‟t had a new pair of briefs in more than three years. The idea of spending months in space wearing the same outfit struck him as appalling. As soon as Nick had showered and dressed, Dr. Raj announced it was time to meet his crew. The doctor led him to a large room, nondescript except that close to forty people filled it. Many sat at long tables, while others served themselves buffet style from an assortment of platters. Clearly, the Collective had access to resources only the rich could afford. Nick‟s stomach rumbled as the odors of hot food teased his nostrils, but breakfast would have to wait. Introductions were about to begin. “All of them are ex-Space Defense Corps, discharged for one reason or another,” Dr. Raj murmured as they approached the 57

group. “We recruited the best of them, but we prioritized trustworthiness above all. They‟re a talented bunch, if a little rambunctious.” Nick was about to reply when silence suddenly strangled the room. All eyes locked onto him. Then the tidal wave hit. Chairs overturned and bodies stirred into motion as every last one of them gathered around him like a swarm of bats. Apparently, they knew him—or at least knew to expect someone like him. Nick was used to crowds, but never before had so many people rushed him in a single, explosive episode. Grins, everywhere. Hands patting his shoulder and slapping against his back. A chorus of garbled, overlapping greetings. This is insane! Dr. Raj clapped his hands. “Everyone, your attention, please. This is a most significant occasion.” They quieted immediately. Without further preamble, he began introductions. “May I introduce to you the commander of our mission, Mr. Nick Venture!” A round of applause followed, one that Nick felt was a hundred percent undeserved. Uncertainty hardened into a steel lump in the pit of his stomach. I don‟t know who you all think I am, or what I can do. But he refused to let his doubts show and responded with a humble grin. Dr. Raj extended a hand to a dark-skinned man on his right. “This is Sammy Kamikuahau, captain of the Niña.” Nick glanced up. He prided himself on his rugged physique, but even he, at two hundred eighteen pounds of hard muscle, struggled to match the handshake strength of the man whose bulk towered over him like a mountain. Sammy only regarded him with an earnest stare. A thin man with a scruffy head of hair and a goatee to match 58

Once Upon a Time in Space shouldered his way forward. Twitches randomly plagued his features. Brown eyes sought Nick‟s gaze as he thumbed the giant behind him. “Hey, Nick, wanna know why we call him Sammy?” He prattled on without waiting for an answer. “Because he‟s Samoan!” Braying laughter followed, but hardly anyone shared in it apart from its owner. Mildly uncomfortable, Nick flicked his gaze to Sammy. He shrugged as if to say, I‟ve heard it all before. The stick man continued, pumping Nick‟s hand a few times. “Name‟s Steve Kaufman, but I go by Twitch.” A nasal twang laced his voice. “The doc assigned me to pilot the Santa Maria for ya. Anything you need, you let me know.” His head bobbed furiously. Whether it was a sign of his wanting to please, or another tick, Nick couldn‟t tell. He was about to reply when someone else grabbed his arm and spun him around. A cyclone of words crashed into him. “Well, uncle goddamn! Doc never said how downright purdy you‟d be. Honey, you sure are a sight for sore eyes.” A chubby white hand pinched his midsection. “Look a‟ them abs!” At first, Nick couldn‟t manage anything more than a few blinks at the vivacious, quivering sight before him. A matronly, grayhaired woman of about fifty drank him in with unabashed lust. Wide of hip and generous of cleavage, she spoke with a distinct Southern accent and spewed her words faster than lightning. With a gleam in his eye and a slight bow, Dr. Raj said, “Nick Venture, may I also introduce the most divine captain of the Pinta, Madame Lillian St. Carmichael.” Lillian snorted. “Oh, go on, Doctor, you big flirt.” Despite her jest, a rosy hue lit her cheeks. She eyed Nick up and down— especially down—with a saucy stare. Catching his blush, she cracked a wide grin. “Are you trying to turn me on? Because if you 59

are, you should know I‟m spoken for. NotreallybutI‟dliketothinkso! Ha!” Nick chuckled even as he wondered at the unusual combination of her accent and rapid-fire delivery. Her merry disposition might come in handy during the long months ahead. All the other introductions were a blur. The few names he did remember were the senior members of his crew. Janice was the freckled redhead with a sensible expression who would manage Radar and Communications aboard the Santa Maria. Then there was Gideon, a fortyish potbellied engineer. According to Dr. Raj, he had helped design the ships. Nick nodded with healthy admiration. Eddie, a reserved man with short, graying black hair, was the closest any of them had to a bona-fide physician. Nick learned that his training had been cut short when the Space Defense Corps discharged him. None of the crew volunteered the stories behind their dismissals, and neither did Nick think it considerate to ask. He had a feeling most of them had led downtrodden lives. As he sat down to eat, it was like drowning among a gaggle of orphans begging to be adopted. They tried so hard to impress him with their tales of military adventures or how many patrols they had logged. Janice kept him supplied with food, and Lillian started fawning over his hair. They all spoke excitedly about the new world and its prospects. Little, however, was discussed regarding potential dangers. These folks are ex-military, so that‟s gotta be a good sign. “When I get to Eden, I‟m gonna build me a ski lodge,” Twitch was saying. Curiosity prompted Nick to interject. “Eden?” Twitch nodded. “That‟s the nickname we gave the planet. Actually, Janice came up with it.” He shot her a grin before 60

Once Upon a Time in Space turning back to Nick. “Much catchier than Chiang 752 B, doncha think?” “Ski lodge? Hey, Twitch, what‟s a ski lodge?” The inquiry came from a boyish looking young man down the table. Todd was his name, Nick recalled. “It‟s a house they used to build up in the mountains way back when. To watch the snow, I think.” Lillian smoothed back a lock of hair from Nick‟s forehead for the seventh time. “Twitch, you don‟t even know what a ski is, let alone how to.” Then she smirked. “Takes a real man to know what to do with a woman in a ski lodge up in them there secluded peaks.” One of her hands squeezed his right shoulder as her voice dropped to a husky murmur. “Isn‟t that right, Nick?” Guffaws exploded around them. Nick glanced at his scowling navigator, whose left eyelid was aflutter. Twitch opened his mouth, clearly ready with a retort, just as a loud beeping noise pierced the room. Dr. Raj, seated at the next table, adjusted his earpiece. “Dr. Raj here.… Yes, I understand. That is perfect. Thank you.” Ending the call, he stood and gazed solemnly at the group. “What is it, Doc?” Twitch asked. “That was our contact in Lower Houston. The 217th Fleet has been diverted to investigate a pirate attack. Thanks, of course, to our colleagues in Tokyo.” He waved dismissively, apparently noticing Nick‟s alarm. “It is all a contrived emergency, but they won‟t know that until they reach the designated sector. At any rate, my friends, your window has arrived!” Whoops and loud applause abounded. “What window?” Nick asked over the din. “I don‟t follow you.” People were leaping from the table and scrambling for the doors. He glanced around, perplexed. 61

“Mr. Venture!” Dr. Raj called out. “Please hurry! A most opportune time has come. The crews are preparing for takeoff. You leave immediately!” He dropped his fork. “You mean right now?” Nodding, Dr. Raj issued a smart salute as Lillian and Janice each grabbed one of Nick‟s arms and pulled him to his feet. Propelling him forward on the wave of their excitement, they all broke into a run. **** Seated in the captain‟s chair aboard the Santa Maria, Nick‟s heart beat so rapidly it threatened to go supernova. Breath came in short bursts, but not because of the harness that crisscrossed his torso for safety. Neither was it because of the g-forces weighing him down. Twitch and Gideon performed a takeoff so smooth that the only thing lurching was his stomach. No. It was none of that, though it probably should have been. Nick tightened his hold upon the armrests. As a charged grin plastered his face, he had to admit one undeniable fact. The launch of the three exploration vessels was the most exhilarating moment of his life. Before him, every view screen overflowed with data as incomprehensible as an ancient language. Nick had given up trying to decipher it. Instead, he listened to the crew‟s chatter as they recited the launch routine. The vessels shot into the atmosphere from an underground base deep in the belly of Florida‟s subcontinent. The diversionary tactic arranged by the Collective was a success, and scans confirmed that no military vessel pursued them. As the ships sped along a predetermined course through the solar system, there was really nothing much for him to do. Correction. There was nothing for him to do. So he simply 62

Once Upon a Time in Space observed. The cloaking devices had been engaged and intra-ship communication was prohibited until they were safely past the Space Defense Corps‟ patrol perimeter. They reached the vicinity of Earth‟s moon. When the all-clear was sounded, each vessel de-cloaked. Protective hull shields were engaged, and moments later, they “raised sail.” Nick gaped at the main view screen, which displayed images of the Niña and Pinta. By some kind of technical magic, the ghostly, holographic images resembled the sails of ancient vessels that used to roam the seven seas of Earth. For a few moments, the bridge fell quiet as the crew absorbed the ethereal vision. Nick‟s gaze drifted to the oval view port. The sight of deep space was a richer, more nuanced panorama than he had expected, like crushed diamonds against deep black velvet. Then one screen in particular caught his eye. An orb stared back, brown and dead looking. Swirls of black and gray mottled the surface. “Gideon,” Nick said, pointing to the screen. “What‟s that?” Gideon routed the image to the main screen. “That,” he replied grimly, “is Earth.” Nick stared in dismay. The sickly planet, now magnified a hundred times, hung above him like a bad omen. In recent years, he didn‟t recall seeing any images of Earth appearing so… decrepit. Apparently, the Space Defense Corps did a thorough job of censoring information, information the people of Earth had a right to access. Nick frowned as he turned to Gideon. “It‟s that bad, then, isn‟t it?” Gideon sighed loudly. “Yep.” “A damn shame,” Twitch added. “Well, now‟s your time to say goodbye.” Nick shot Gideon a questioning look. “In about twenty minutes, we jump to Neptune.” 63

Nick nodded. No words could express the emptiness in his heart, knowing he could never go home again. Sure, he had a new planet to explore, but somehow it wasn‟t the same as saving the old one. Still, this was the time given him, and a second chance at that, so he decided to make the most of it. Contemplating the image for a few moments more, he sent planet Earth a silent, solemn farewell. Shortly after, he began to concentrate on his breathing. During the ascent, his colleagues had warned him about the side-effects of jumping. Hallucinations. Nausea. Fatigue. Disorientation. Best that you close your eyes during it, Janice had advised. So he felt somewhat prepared, though he suspected the actual experience would test every ounce of his courage. The countdown began, and all systems were go. That was about the extent of Nick‟s understanding as the energy buildup plunged the ship into a steady shudder. When Twitch announced commencement of the jump, Nick didn‟t waste any time screwing his eyes shut. It began. All of the bridge chatter ceased, or if they were talking, Nick couldn‟t hear them. Periodically, his retinas swirled crazily with colors and shadows. After the fourth episode, darkness descended, whipping across him like an ill wind. Then, complete and total silence. Nick couldn‟t even hear himself breathe. After what seemed like an eternity, the strange sensations melted away. A normal sense of weight and temperature and touch returned. Someone spoke, and Nick finally felt secure enough to open his eyes. Light flooded his vision. “Jump completed successfully,” Twitch reported. “No damages,” remarked Gideon. “Lillian and Sammy report all‟s well,” Janice announced. She turned to Nick. Damp strands of hair clung to her forehead and 64

Once Upon a Time in Space cheeks. “Your first jump, right? How was it?” Nick passed a hand across his sweaty face. “Fine,” he said, managing a weak grin. Or maybe it was a grimace. “Saw some weird colors.” For the next several hours, the ships cruised onward. Part of his mind demanded processing the jump, because it had just taken them more than a billion kilometers from Earth. It all felt strange, it felt exciting, it felt… surreal. But the events of the past two days were finally overtaking him in the form of sudden drowsiness. Though it was his prerogative to retire to the captain‟s quarters, Nick didn‟t want to give the impression he was shirking his duties. He released the harness. Maybe a short nap right here in the command station…. Being careful to avoid any important parts, Nick propped his booted feet on the console before him. Both eyelids drooped precipitously. Except for an insistent “whoop, whoop” noise emanating from somewhere, all was calm. He tilted his head back against the chair and closed his eyes. “Sorry, Captain, but I wouldn‟t do that just yet.” Nick snapped them back open. “Huh?” Janice had turned around to face him, a worried expression plastered across her face. Directly before him, he watched groggily as Twitch sent the wheel into a frantic spin and then inexplicably kicked it to a stop. “Aw, hell no! Son of a bitch!” the navigator cried, and then all the screens went black.

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Chapter Five Alarms and chatter thundered across the bridge as the crew attempted to determine the status of the mysterious development. “What is it?” Nick asked. “What‟s wrong?” Then he became annoyed with himself for displaying panic and promptly shut his mouth. “Working on it!” announced Janice. Her shoulders knotted with tense muscles as she analyzed her data. “Looks like we‟ve got company. Damn! I can‟t raise the Niña or the Pinta. They jammed everything. Radar. All frequencies. We‟re blind and deaf.” “Who‟s jamming us?” Nick asked, adrenaline raising the hair on his neck. Shit, he felt absolutely useless, and it goaded him to no end. “Someone who‟s got nothing better to do,” Twitch supplied. He cocked his head toward the main view screen. It flickered erratically, but Nick didn‟t need military training to tell him the situation was changing for the worse. As the static faded, the laughter began. Faintly at first, then louder. A woman‟s voice. Teasing them. Mocking them. Louder. Deeper. Softer. It echoed throughout the bridge, wrapping each man and woman in a web of fear and danger. Sultry. Sensual. Deadly. After a few deafening moments, the hellish peals climaxed and eventually waned. The screen turned dark. Nick felt tense with anticipation, but also stimulated in a way he didn‟t think was 66

Once Upon a Time in Space appropriate to the situation at all. Something about that voice…. Gradually, an image formed. What could it be? He knotted both hands in a defensive posture while gasps arose from his crew. At that moment, every screen, whether large or small, displayed the same foreboding image: The maniacal grin of an eye-patched Jolly Roger. The skeletal image taunted them with its empty leer. Nick glared at the theatrics. The perpetrator couldn‟t possibly be a military vessel. Space Defense Corps soldiers acted first and didn‟t ask questions later. They didn‟t need scare tactics. Indignation made his blood hot. The journey had barely started, and already some jackass was trying to interfere. Who‟s doing this? What do they want? As if in answer to his thought, the Jolly Roger image abruptly disappeared. An uneasy silence gripped the bridge. Then Twitch shattered it with a shout. “What the hell is this crap?” “Scanners are back online,” Janice reported. “Let‟s see what we—hang on.” She punched an image through to the main screen. “Whatever it is, it‟s too close for comfort.” A muddy picture emerged, but enough details came through to reveal a long, sleek, dark hulled vessel. If there were any markings, they couldn‟t be seen from this angle. “Shit!” Twitch punched his right thigh in frustration. “We shoulda been cloaked. That‟s it. We‟re done for.” “Hey. Hold it steady,” Nick ordered. Standing, he gestured toward the screen. “Maybe we can negotiate.” “Not a chance,” said Gideon. “I know that ship.” “Yeah, me, too,” Twitch said. “It‟s the Deathraven—” Gideon cut him off. “I‟ve heard of her captain. They call her „the Siren.‟” He wiped the sweat from his face. “I heard she makes her 67

crew drink cocktails of gunpowder and blood to prove their loyalty.” “Well, I heard she cuts out your tongue and keeps it as a souvenir,” said Twitch. Nick stepped in. “Guys, we‟ve got a big problem here, so let‟s focus.” He turned to Twitch. “Can‟t we just outrun them?” The navigator‟s left eye flickered rapidly. “I suppose we could try, but we oughta get word or a signal to the others. I—what is it, Janice?” She was waving her hands frantically in the air for their attention. “Mines! Dozens of them!” “Are you shittin‟ me?” Twitch bolted to her station, Nick on his heels. “They must have deployed them while our radar was out of commission. Look, we‟re surrounded. All three ships.” Nick stared at the screen. Miniscule green blips indicated a dense field of explosives that now formed a deadly barrier. He suppressed a shudder. Who knew what kind of damage even one could do? What did this “Siren” pirate want? At any rate, one fact was certain. They had to escape. Immediately. Nick clamped a hand on his pilot‟s shoulder. “Can you navigate through the mine field?” “Through it?” Twitch frowned. “Well, I can try. But I ain‟t promising anything.” “Do whatever you can!” They returned to their respective stations. Twitch laid both hands on the wheel, rock steady. “Hit me up, Janice!” She studied her screen intently. “Okay, I see an opening. Eighteen degrees starboard. Easy does it.” Twitch shifted the wheel ever so slightly. As though plucked by invisible hands, Nick felt a slight pull as the ship tilted. “Easy does 68

Once Upon a Time in Space it” was right. Those mines were clustered so thickly that one degree of misjudgment would cost them their lives. Excruciating tension licked at every nerve while sweat poured from his brow. But if they could make it through quickly, they might give this Deathraven the slip. He hoped the other captains would follow his lead. “Whoa, whoa, WHOA!” Janice shouted. “Abort it, Twitch. Abort! The mines. They‟re moving!” Twitch immediately locked the wheel and threw both arms above his head. “Remote controlled,” said Gideon. “Gotta be. I‟ll see what I can find out.” He punched at the console before him, muttering, “Those underhanded scurvy rats!” “Dammit!” Nick slapped the arm of his chair because he couldn‟t do anything else. “What about a jump?” he asked. Gideon shook his head. “The energy buildup would probably draw the mines closer. I don‟t advise exploring that option.” Nick clenched his teeth. They were horribly, irrevocably trapped. “Communications is back online,” Janice announced, gripping her earpiece. “She‟s hailing us!” All eyes shot toward Nick. He froze. Thus far, the crew had handled the journey admirably without him. But now, when danger reared its cantankerous head, they clearly expected him to take the initiative. That‟s right. I‟m the leader here. He stared at his console, an array of perplexing switches and lights. So lead, he imagined it saying, none too sympathetically. “I….” he began, and then stopped. Hell, this is easier said than done. To buy himself time, Nick studied their faces, ones full of hope. Hope that he would act decisively, show no mercy, or maybe 69

pull some magic trick from a hat. What had that Dr. Raj been thinking, recruiting him for this mission? Suddenly, his two feet of space in prison looked mighty inviting, even if they meant a torturous labor sentence. No, came the swift, intrepid response from some unexplored depth of his being. Nick banished the image of his old life from his mind. He was here because Earth was being slowly strangled to death. No matter how difficult he thought his life might be, there was always someone who had it worse. Right now, it was a crew that had nothing left but some guy related to a famous dead explorer— and hope. Nick crossed his arms. “I don‟t know about you guys, but I hate suspense. Let‟s see what she wants.” **** “Patching it through,” Janice said. “Sammy and Lillian have the same feed.” She alerted Nick with a hand signal right before the image of the Deathraven‟s captain jumped to life on the screen. Nick stared. The Siren stared back. He had heard tales about pirates, but obviously, they were hopelessly inaccurate. He certainly hadn‟t expected the stunning beauty before him. This particular outlaw sat astride her command chair so lithe and sure it was as though she had been born a pirate. Clearly, she was accustomed to being in charge. Thoroughly enchanted, Nick swept his gaze up and down her body. A black eye patch was slung across her right eye. Her good eye, dark and smoky and brimming with danger, seemed to pierce his soul to the core. Long, wavy black hair framed her face, capped by uneven bangs that lent her a savage appearance. But there was more. Save for a blood-red ascot at her neck, she was dressed all in black. The material hugged her skin so tightly it 70

Once Upon a Time in Space stopped his breath. Dark lines hinted suggestively at shapely curves beneath. Especially her breasts. His thoughts galloped away from him, and he imagined how he‟d slowly peel the suit from her body, inch by inch, fully savoring the tender, supple flesh beneath. The body of a woman like this demanded freedom, freedom he wanted desperately to lavish upon her. These and other speculations transported him to a state of enthrallment he hadn‟t known existed. Pirate woman, who are you? Then there were her lips. At the moment, they were set in a firm line. But being so red and gorgeously shaped, Nick knew they were capable of far more than sternness. Reluctantly, he tore his gaze from her exquisite face to take in the final detail. A skull and crossbones motif carved into the top of the chair completed the seductively treacherous vision. Nick suppressed a groan. This Siren person had completely obliterated everything he thought he knew about pirates—and women. His next thought was as wrong as wrong could be: I want you. He gripped the armrests. The more he fought his attraction, the stronger it grew. What the hell? Was this why they called her the Siren? How many men had met their deaths at the hands of this feral beauty? Still, though, she said nothing. Still, they stared at one another. Nick narrowed his eyes. Maybe this intimidating stance was how she began all her raids, but some instinct in him doubted it. She seemed almost… preoccupied. A forbidden thrill rose in him, causing muscles to tighten where none should be stirring. Preoccupied with me? Is the attraction mutual? New movement drew his gaze southward. Nick watched hungrily as long, slinky legs crossed gracefully. He wasn‟t a particularly religious man, but God have mercy! He ached to split her thighs and drive himself between them. Then a bout of 71

common sense slapped him with a vengeance. What was he thinking, fantasizing about becoming involved with a pirate? Especially this pirate. If he had to pick the worst way to betray the mission and his crew, that reckless notion topped the list. Nick challenged himself to remember precisely what was at stake here— billions of lives. The Siren chose that very moment to speak, her voice melodious but cold. “I trust you‟re savvy enough to have detected our mines. Prepare for boarding. We‟ve come to appropriate your cargo.” The way she held up a tiny control box in her left hand, the thumb poised over a button, indicated to Nick it was some sort of remote detonator. The striking outlaw delivered one final message. “Resist at your peril.” The transmission ended before Nick had a chance to open his mouth. Feverish chagrin washed over him. Pirates were about to plunder his ships, and he had done nothing to prevent them. The devil only knew what other kind of barbarism they might perpetrate. Tongues, eyes… apparently nothing was safe. His boneheaded inaction might effectively end the mission before it even started. At the wheel, Twitch whipped around to face him. “Better check in with Sammy and Lillian.” Right. So far, his navigator was proving to be ten times the commander Nick allegedly was. He nodded at Janice. “Patch them through.” “It‟s a secure frequency. Don‟t worry about the Siren eavesdropping.” Nick concentrated on the main screen. It split into two images, Sammy in one and Lillian in the other. “Nick, is she really going to board?” The Samoan had a thick coating of sweat on his upper lip. 72

Once Upon a Time in Space Lillian interrupted with a scowl. “HellnoIain‟tgoin‟toletthatsumbitchinhere!” “She‟s heading right for the Niña, Nick.” Sammy drew a hand across his forehead. “My heart can‟t take this!” Nick held up his hands. “Listen, both of you. We don‟t have any choice. The important thing is that we stay alive long enough to complete the mission. My orders are to let them board and take what they want. Instruct your crews to stay calm and refrain from anything that could get someone hurt. Or killed.” Sammy nodded and ended the transmission. The feisty captain of the Pinta muttered incoherently, but eventually acknowledged Nick with a half-hearted salute before her image blinked out. Janice supplied periodic reports as the Deathraven launched two shuttles that threaded their way through the mines, manipulating them just enough to create a safe path. One docked aboard the Niña, and the other targeted the Pinta. The news from Sammy and Lillian did not bode well. The scavengers had swiped everything. Every container of food, valuables, repair materials, everything. Every last crumb, it seemed. Pacing the bridge, Nick seethed. He had thought losing his freedom was bad. This situation was a thousand times worse. The mission had stalled, and he didn‟t seem to be capable of leading the crew out of a plastic bag. How were they going to complete the mission without any supplies? How would he explain such a colossal failure to Dr. Raj? Would he even survive to explain it? All too soon, Janice announced that one of the shuttles had set course for the Santa Maria. “Opening bay hatch.” Gideon announced a short time later. Nick took a deep breath. The crew had borne enough 73

responsibility. He had to take action now or die trying. He called for everyone‟s attention. “I‟m going to meet them in the docking bay,” he said. “For whatever it‟s worth, I‟ll try and negotiate… something.” Twitch pushed up his sleeves and strode forward. “Right behind you, boss.” Nick shook his head. “No. I‟m going alone.” At Twitch‟s crestfallen expression, he clapped a hand on the man‟s shoulder. “I appreciate your offer, but I don‟t think a show of force is going to help matters.” He turned to leave, and then spoke over his shoulder. “Twitch, if anything happens to me, you‟re in command.” With that proclamation, Nick strode determinedly from the bridge. **** As the airlock hissed shut behind him, the last surprise Nick expected was the very Siren herself aboard his ship. Dark and still, she stood like a wraith in the shuttle opening. Their gazes locked as soon as he stepped forward into the bay. Momentarily dazzled, he didn‟t anticipate the blow that landed squarely between his shoulder blades. The force of it sent him sprawling to the steel plated deck. Stunned, all he could do was roll over, bringing the shuttle back into view. At first, Nick saw only a pair of clingy, knee-high boots as the Siren advanced with supple movements down the shuttle ramp. Then his gaze shifted to a brown gun belt slung around her hips at a jaunty angle. But the distraction cost him. When the unknown assailant kicked him in the ribs, air shot like a torpedo from his lungs. What the fuck? Nick barely had a chance to recover his breath when the man turned him roughly over and smacked him across the face. He 74

Once Upon a Time in Space grimaced against the pain of stung lips, and then a spurt of blood coated his tongue. Blinking, he tried to plan a move, any move, in self-defense. What kind of coward attacked from behind like that? Pirate cowards, apparently. When the thug forced him unceremoniously to his feet, he held up his hands in a conciliatory gesture. “Listen! I‟m Nick Venture, and I‟m in command of these ships. Let‟s discuss this situation like rational people.” Hatchet Face drew back his hand for another blow. Raising an arm to block the next attack, Nick added, “I won‟t resist! Just give me a minute.” By now, the Siren had reached the deck. Nick gazed at her, almost forgetting the mortal danger that hovered mere inches from his body. With a shipsuit that clung to her body in all the right ways, she looked even more stunning in person. The slinky motion of her stride seemed to electrify the very air surrounding her. Flesh tingled with anticipation, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to rise. This woman didn‟t just invite attention. She commanded it. His assailant glanced at her, too, although he continued to stand poised for another hit. Then other pirates started circling, some with drawn weapons. The noose tightened, attracted to him as if he were a magnet. Silence gripped the bay as the face-off intensified. Just as Nick considered mounting a berserk attack, the Siren‟s voice cut clear and low across the bay. “Smiley, go with the others,” she ordered. Nick exhaled in relief as her man searched him roughly for weapons and then released him. „Smiley‟? Now there‟s an apt name. He wiped blood from his mouth, staring at the pirate captain as her men slipped past him. As the last one ducked through the airlock into the ship proper, a deathly hush settled. 75

Now it was only Nick and the Siren. It‟s about time I got you alone. The seductive vision before him sparked a hot streak of arousal, and it occurred to him that she stood much too far away. Territorial instincts uncoiled, demanding that he remedy the situation immediately. But as he stepped forward, she reached for her holster with lightning-quick precision and pulled a gun on him. “That‟s close enough.” Nick held up his hands again. “I‟m unarmed.” “And I‟m not.” She held the gun higher. Shit. Her weapon looked primitive, but he didn‟t doubt its firepower. The threat of injury or death scrambled his thoughts. What was he going to say to convince this woman not to plunder? Because after all, that‟s what pirates did. Then a risky idea occurred to him. Dare he tell her about the mission? Might it make a difference, even to a jaded outlaw? It was worth a try. Anything less than the truth would hardly be persuasive. Somewhere in that lush body, there had to be at least an ounce of sympathy for the plight of humankind. “I have something important to tell you,” he began. The gun stayed firmly trained upon him, but she didn‟t tell him to stop talking, either. Nick plunged ahead. “We‟re on a mission… to save Earth. You see, a planet‟s been discovered. A habitable one.” He could have been wrong, but he thought he detected the slightest narrowing of her good eye. “These three ships were built for the voyage to this new planet. Our job is to claim it for the people of Earth.” He searched for words that might influence her. “Not for the military, or the rich, or the politicians. For the people, like you and me.” “So what‟s your point?” She sounded bored. A curse danced on his tongue, but he stayed it. “My point,” he 76

Once Upon a Time in Space said calmly, “is that on behalf of this mission, this very, very important and life-saving mission, I want to negotiate a deal. If you take all of our supplies, we‟re going to fail. And if the military catches us, it‟s over. Not just for us, but all of humanity can kiss its future goodbye.” Nick paused, unsure if his words were having the desired effect. “We can spare some supplies, but not all. Leave us enough for a few months, at least.” The Siren only stared at him, her expression unreadable. Anxiety began to gnaw at him. And anger. The “negotiation” was going nowhere fast, but he couldn‟t give up. “You want proof? I have proof. Come study the data.” No response. Nothing. Not even a blink. “Look, maybe the Collective—they‟re the ones backing all of this—maybe they can authorize land for you and your crew. It would be a chance to start over. Freedom. All the open space you want.” His words petered out, sucked into the black hole between them. Still she said nothing. Did nothing. What part about Earth dying didn‟t she understand? This kind of blatant unresponsiveness made Nick realize he‟d had enough. Her eye narrowed to a slit as he continued. “That is, when you get tired of plundering and assaulting innocent people.” I don‟t care how beautiful you are. You have no right to be this heartless. Who exposed you to such cruelty, that you spend it so carelessly? “And costing the lives of billions, who will probably die when Earth finally caves in on itself.” A final accusation spewed from his mouth like venom. “Are you that much of a cold-hearted bitch?” There. Fuck. Now he had totally shot to hell any chance at convincing her. He glanced away, too furious with her callous attitude to gaze upon her beautiful face. However, his caustic words didn‟t seem to ruffle her. This time, 77

it was the Siren who took a step forward. She flexed her gloved hand, the one gripping the gun. “Your mission means nothing to me.” Another step forward. “I have no way of knowing if you‟re telling the truth. You could be military spies.” Another step. “Besides, I have all the freedom I want.” Step. “All the open space I want. The sea of stars is my home.” Nick looked up and tried to swallow past the lump of fear in his throat. He was a simple mechanic. Didn‟t travel at all, let alone set foot aboard starships. No one had ever threatened his life with a gun. Now he faced one of the most terrible space pirates who ever lived, according to his crew. He hoped Twitch and Sammy and Lillian could somehow transport everyone to safety, because clearly he was about to die. I‟m worthless to you, no matter who I am, came the rueful thought. I‟m sorry. The pirate now stood an arm‟s length away. Nick could almost see the gaunt figure of Death raising its whetted scythe in her shadow. Strangely, his next thought was comforting: At least he would die knowing what she smelled like. Fresh and fiery, like cinnamon. The barrel of the gun dug into his chest, aimed right at his heart while her left hand enclosed locks of his hair in a painful grip. Nick braced for the end and prayed it was swift. Blood thundered in his veins, pummeling him from the inside out as the Siren branded him with a kiss so wild, so silken, and so drenched with moisture that he forgot to breathe. Forgot to think. He might as well have died at that moment from the rapture of it. Soft, generous lips pulled hard on his wounded mouth. Feasted on it. God have fucking mercy! Nick flexed his hands, grasping at air. He didn‟t know what to do with them. Well, he did know, but was acutely aware of the gun still trained on his person. Except for 78

Once Upon a Time in Space their lips and her hand woven deeply in his hair, their bodies weren‟t touching. If he touched her anywhere, anywhere at all, it could be his death sentence. So he kept his arms back, but leaned into the kiss with abandon. Using his height to full advantage, he put all his weight into the feverish exchange, forcing her head to angle back. This action exposed more of her to his advances than perhaps she had intended. The gun never wavered, but Nick felt the shift of the next breath as it caught in her throat. When her lips parted, he greedily parted them more. When her teeth grazed the tender bits of his mouth, he bared his own to relentlessly nip and tug. When she sought the depths of his throat, he invited her to taste, but returned the stroke with a surge of hot, firm flesh. Then, ever so faintly, she moaned. There was a fresh burst of secretion from her mouth, and some of it trickled down his chin. The pain and the pleasure collided. Damn. Not here. Not now. Please not here! Despite the cold, unyielding weapon and the residual discomfort from the beating, Nick grew thick and heavy with need. He felt unbearably hard, and each time this woman flicked her sweet tongue deeper into his mouth, the sensation pushed him to the bursting point. Could she tell? Swollen with lust, he wanted her to know. His legs nearly caved from the pressure of restraining hips that threatened to buck and seal the short distance from hers. But he didn‟t dare move any closer. Instead, he smothered her lips with his own. His jaw rocked with unwavering energy, working her over in a spasm of need, delivering the occasional hard thrust with his tongue. Alarms sounded in the back of his mind. Her crew had to be close to returning. Don‟t care, came the reckless response. All he could think about was the kiss. The rampant pleasure obliterated all reason, and he couldn‟t remember why he had thought her 79

cruel. At this moment, she was absolutely perfect and pure. Even though the contact turned violently primal, Nick was acutely aware that a gulf of sexual tension stretched a million light years wide between them. He couldn‟t tell where desire ended and pain and longing began. Relief dangled frustratingly out of reach, no matter how many times she rubbed her glistening lips against his, or how much heat they generated from mouths that simply couldn‟t relinquish one another. But just when he thought the kiss might last forever, the Siren broke away. Still, her lips betrayed a rapacious nature, standing out so red and plump they almost appeared bruised. Passion soaked her good eye as her gaze lingered over him with one final glance. The whole experience left him gasping with shock, as if she had just plunged him into a vat of ice. Inadvertently, he extended an arm. Stay with me! he wanted to implore. But she was pulling away, out of reach. As she stepped onto the shuttle ramp, the airlock hatch opened. The Deathraven‟s boarding party streamed through, laden with supplies. Nick could only stare dumbly as they paraded by with container after container. At least he had sense enough to lower his arm. As the last few men boarded the shuttle, the sheer criminality of the situation hit him. They were stranded in a mine field in the middle of space with zero supplies and no means of escape. Failure, nothing! Like a complete fuck up, he had taken the coward‟s way out. “Wait!” Nick shouted. “Give us something we can ration, for God‟s sake! Or are you a bunch of cruel savages?” The pirates barely paused. A few sniggered. And then…. The Siren appeared again. Descending to the deck, she motioned for the last man to drop his container. After it landed on 80

Once Upon a Time in Space the deck, she kicked it across to Nick. That accomplished, she spun on a heel and disappeared into the shuttle. “That‟s it?” Nick yelled, but his words were lost in the thunder of the shuttle engine as it roared with power. Regardless, he quickly retrieved the container. As the bay hatch cracked open, Nick barely remembered to return to the safety of the airlock. It took Janice prompting him over the ship‟s radio to “Get the hell out of there.” Christ, he was such a landlubber. Once through, he had to lean against a bulkhead to tame his emotions. What had he done? More importantly, why had he done it? What kind of leader fell so easily for a ruse as simple as a kiss? A very poor one. Nick knew he had to keep the tryst a secret or risk a mutiny. He should have known the kiss was a distraction from her true purpose, that of bloodthirsty marauding. Why, then, had he fallen so neatly into her trap? He could have stopped the kiss, if he had really wanted it to end. But that was the problem. He hadn‟t wanted that, not at all. An insane attraction to the dark beauty clung to him like the last traces of a delicious perfume. Nick realized a deep, unfettered hunger had awoken in him, one that ached to claim the Siren right there in the docking bay. Claim her hard. Battered and bruised though he felt, his mouth still throbbed with the heat of her kiss. I‟m going to have you. Even if it takes the rest of my life. Nick hurriedly dampened the illicit desires. Pirates, as he had just learned firsthand, were barbaric, ruthless, and uncaring. Now they were all going to die, if not from starvation, then from exploding mines. Fear and guilt churned into rage as he stormed his way to the bridge. On the way, an idea formed, born of desperation. The plan was so brash and outrageous the crew would probably balk. But he 81

refused to let this Siren woman escape without consequences. He wouldn‟t let her get away with such blatant victimization. When he reached the bridge, chaos reigned. Twitch, Lillian, and Sammy were embroiled in a heated, mud-slinging debate. Now he understood just how much the predicament had upset the balance of the entire crew. As soon as he reached his station, he bellowed for silence. After everyone quieted, Nick shared his plan. He spoke as persuasively as he knew how, crossing his arms and drawing himself up to full height before his command chair. But as the seconds slipped by, he couldn‟t tell if his colleagues liked his plan or were about to rebel. Maybe that‟s what they had been arguing about when he arrived. If Nick couldn‟t orchestrate a team effort, it wouldn‟t be long before a graveyard of ships sprouted in that very corner of the galaxy. Lillian spoke up first. “That is one devil of a plan.” While rapidly fanning herself, somehow her dress shifted. The act revealed a bare shoulder, followed by an expansive curve of fleshy breast. “See what you did now? I‟m feeling so warm. My darlin‟ Nicky, are you sure you‟re not tryin‟ to turn me on?” Nick had no blasted idea how to respond to her comment, but he must have looked embarrassed because the exchange solicited a round of whoops and catcalls from all three ships. It broke the tension, at any rate. In gleeful response, Lillian spun around, lifted her dress, and abruptly bared her ample backside toward the screen. “Y‟all can kiss my sweet granny ass!” she tossed over her shoulder. Shrieks and more laughter followed. Nick grinned and glanced away. He had his answer. Now the only question was whether they could pull it off. And with that thought, he went to work.

82

Chapter Six Why, why, why? The minute the shuttle docked in the belly of the Deathraven, Raquel departed for her quarters, gouging a path of black fury in her wake. She looked neither left nor right. Nothing mattered at the moment except pure, unbroken solitude. With a face that burned so clearly with lust, she couldn‟t reveal to her crew that anything unusual had just happened. Had she completely lost her mind? Apparently so. Using her feminine wiles to subdue an enemy was one thing. Falling for the charms of said enemy was quite another. With a unique reputation to uphold, Raquel couldn‟t afford a mistake like that again. Once she reached her cabin, her heart beat a little less rapidly. Distraction. She needed distraction. Ripping off her shipsuit, she jumped in the sani. As she circled maniacally under the spray, unsettling and forgotten emotions blindsided her ability to think straight. Accustomed to a certain level of control in her life, this particular reaction alarmed her. Raquel had known she was in trouble as soon as her ship made radio contact with the Santa Maria. When Nick‟s image burned itself onto her retinas, it was as if time itself had screeched to a halt, insisting that she drink in every strapping, delectable feature. Even now, memories of him tortured her, from the dirty blond hair that fell casually across captivating hazel eyes to the broadness of his shoulders, and to the smooth, golden skin wrapping him like the finest cloth. He was every bit the gorgeous, rugged starship captain. 83

No man had a right to look that good, to the point where her body had warmed and leaned forward, ready to accommodate his every carnal need. Crossing her legs had been imperative to quell the rising heat. By now, she was far and away as clean as she could ever be, but roiling thoughts about Nick kept her rooted to the spot. During such raids, she normally remained onboard the Deathraven. Her bridge crew didn‟t think she‟d noticed the looks passing among them when she announced her decision. But she had. Of course, she hadn‟t explained her reason. Captain‟s prerogative. The problem was, she didn‟t know the reason. Questions abounded, but answers annoyingly eluded her. When she had thought she couldn‟t entangle herself any further, she had embarked upon that other nonsense in the docking bay. Raquel searched desperately for whatever urge had driven her to kiss him like that. Bravado? Maybe a little. Sometimes she embraced her role a little too enthusiastically. Lust? Perhaps. More likely, though, it was simply the way he had gazed at her. His gaze of sweet fascination had overflowed with promises of tender moments and boundless affection. She had felt almost… new again. A deep sigh escaped her. The only lover she remembered with any innocence had been her first boyfriend at the naïve age of seventeen. They had been in a relationship for nearly a year before the fateful day that altered her life forever. Once her space-faring days began, the innocent part of her died, pummeled to death by the harsh existence of life aboard a pirate junk. Raquel had coupled with men here and there when the need became too great, but the encounters never went beyond that. Her search for him was hardly conducive to a long-term relationship, and she hated him for it. But too often of late, she hated what she had become 84

Once Upon a Time in Space even more. Now, memories were stirring of a bygone era in her life, and it was all because of this Nick Venture. When she had bestowed her black widow‟s kiss, she hadn‟t expected him to respond with such bold affection. Either Nick had been excited because of the gun, or in spite of it. She wanted to believe it was the latter, and when she let the belief flower, something ineffable flashed deep within her soul, as though a bit of tarnish had been wiped from a coin. Maybe that was why she had allowed the kiss to continue for so long. Or was it the sexual prowess he exuded? The bruises and cuts from Smiley‟s assault added a thrill of delicious sexiness to a body already bursting with lusty vigor. Of course, she had to keep tasting him. With her lips pressed against his firm, determined ones, her emotions had run high. Excitement mixed with fear. Wondering if he was going to wrestle the gun away. Almost wishing he would. She had surrendered far, far more of her desire and body than she thought was possible. Who, exactly, had been in control of the situation? The pounding, rushing, pulsing blood that collected between her thighs indicated she certainly hadn‟t been. Oh no. Raquel glanced down in supreme mortification. One of her hands firmly cupped a breast, one peaked by a very erect nipple, and she ardently wished the hand was his. The thoughts tumbled into her mind before she could stop them. There was his other hand, cupping her other breast so it wouldn‟t feel left out. Instead of the bulkhead, she was leaning against his naked body. Immediately, he pressed his arousal deep into the cleft between her buttocks. Raquel‟s eyes fluttered closed as she gave the imaginary sensations full rein. Nick‟s large hands massaged her breasts for a long time. Then he began a slow exploration of her waist and belly. His touch left her warm and tingly. With a smile, he kissed her 85

cheek. She felt his hot breath quicken against her ear as his hands dropped to her hips. Nick pushed his cock between her thighs. As his fingertips dug into her flesh, he began slowly pushing back and forth. Her sex made him slick as he rubbed against her. He whispered words of encouragement, like how wet he wanted her to become, how hard he wanted her to climax. And oh, how she wanted to find sweet release with this man, this angel from afar. After widening her legs, Raquel reached back to guide his hard length inside her as far as it would go. They both gasped as he sank into her. She licked her lips. She wanted him to fuck her until she lost control. Control. Her good eye snapped open. No, not that. She mustn‟t ever lose control, especially not to the seductive charms of Nick Venture. Stop it. Stop thinking about him. The shower had been a terrible idea. Raquel stepped back into the cabin and dressed. She quickly wove her long hair into a braid. Retrieving a pair of shears, she set about pruning her “garden.” Despite all of her efforts to forget him, questions arose as to his purpose. What was someone like him doing out here? Those three vessels weren‟t military issue. What exactly was that „Collective‟ organization he had mentioned? The mystery simultaneously irked and intrigued her. His stated mission was an obvious lie. People brought before her would say just about anything. Still…. Nick Venture, who are you? She burned with the desire to know. But she couldn‟t pursue the answer, no matter how enticing the prospect. She couldn‟t afford for any man, no matter how handsome or virtuous, to obstruct her goal. Raquel began to redistribute the plant clippings so that they would decompose for future nourishment. Then she sighed. She 86

Once Upon a Time in Space wasn‟t so cold hearted as Nick had assumed. His lie was entirely noble, and she regretted having to act so dismissively about it. In fact, she had come perilously close to revealing her own agenda, one that dovetailed with his. A frown twisted her lips. Why did she care what he thought? Mixed feelings flooded her heart. She had responsibilities. Her men needed food. The lean times often meant months between raids. The three ships following so closely on the heels of the Torrent had been a bonanza. A gift she could hardly deny her loyal crew. But what if this Nick Venture had been telling the truth? Raquel knew how to read someone. It was a necessary skill. If he was lying, he was amazingly adept at it. A chill raced down her spine. A new, habitable planet…? The idea was too fantastic to believe. Despite her extensive journeys, she had never heard about a planet similar to Earth. She shook her head. Nick and his companions were on a fool‟s mission. Truthfully, she had probably saved them a lot of heartache. At any rate, that‟s what she was going to keep telling herself. But no matter how many veils of misdirection Raquel drew about her heart, the encounter still haunted her. Nick was trying to plant hope where no one had thought it could grow. Had she traded the lives and well-being of billions for a handful of food wafers? Was she truly nothing but a savage? With acute dismay, she realized that without knowing him at all, she didn‟t want him to think that about her. If only he knew the truth…. Too late. Steeling her shoulders, she put away the shears, loosened her hair, and headed to the galley for a meal. It was too late for Earth, and too late for her. She had already dug her grave, and when she died, her ashes would be launched into the cold, callous arms of eternal space. 87

**** When the Deathraven tilted dangerously and sent her hard onto the second deck not five minutes later, Raquel was almost glad of the diversion. She felt furious, however, about the wail of buckling metal, a telltale symptom of a hull breach. Given the largely isolated habits of a junk and her crew, with no one else on whom to depend, it was a pirate‟s worst nightmare. Then the wailing happened again, only this time in a different part of the ship. She braced herself against the nearest bulkhead. Had the radar malfunctioned? No other vessel had ever caught the Deathraven by surprise. Norris would answer to her personally if he had steered the ship into something stupid, like an asteroid. And then it happened again. Growling with indignation, Raquel scrambled to her feet and sprinted for the bridge. **** “What‟s the status?” Raquel harnessed herself as soon as she reached her station. Consoles bleated in alarm while hyperactive data streams flashed at them. The crew worked in strained silence as they assessed this dire new threat. “We‟re under attack by three vessels,” Vojtech reported. “Hull breaches, two starboard, one port. Three wounded. Minor. Containment operations are underway.” Panic paralyzed her for a brief moment. Three ships? No. It can‟t be. The Deathraven must have crossed the path of a military patrol. Yes. That was it. Those bastards always attacked a pirate ship without justification. “What hit us? Have you identified them?” Alvarez shook his head. “Not any weapon I ever heard of.” He raised a hand to keep her attention. “Want me to fire back?” “Negative.” Raquel began routing data to her console. 88

Once Upon a Time in Space Norris slammed both fists upon the arms of his chair. “We can‟t even move, or it‟ll cause more damage. The assholes just appeared out of nowhere. Fucking phantoms.” “We got poked by a few anchors,” Ule revealed. Raquel scowled in disbelief. “Anchors?” But as the readings from the short range scanner unfolded before her, she knew he spoke the truth. “Beats the shit out of me, too,” he replied. Razor-sharp blades of peril stabbed at their predicament with each passing second. The burden lay with Raquel, and her alone, to brainstorm a deliverance from this anomalous trap. “Someone answer my second bloody question, please.” Fenton cleared his throat. “We have ID on the one who‟s hailing you.” “Who, goddammit?” Fenton paused a moment. “The captain of the Santa Maria.” Raquel let out a long, slow breath in an attempt to ease the tangled muscles of her abdomen. So, it was Nick. But how…? She couldn‟t decide if his presence was a grave omen or an exquisitely joyful one. Regardless, at that moment she had a dangerous emergency to manage. Barely two hours had elapsed since the Deathraven had abandoned the trapped vessels. How had they navigated past the mines? To her knowledge, no one had ever escaped that deadly net. Raquel knew this because she often returned weeks later to collect any that hadn‟t detonated. Nick‟s ships couldn‟t have jumped. The energy buildup would have attracted the mines like flies to shit. So how in the hell had they eluded her trap? Steady, woman. It must be some kind of mistake. She wet her lips. Or a ghost ship, bent on revenge. She had heard of stranger things. This time, she drew in a long, slow breath to steady her 89

nerves. If this attacker was indeed Nick Venture, she wouldn‟t fall for his seductive manipulations a second time. “Route the transmission to the main screen,” she ordered. “Let‟s see what he wants.” A thousand scrambled pixels coalesced into a familiar image. The image of an Adonis. He sat astride his captain‟s chair, knees apart with a tantalizing view of his broad, muscular thighs. Calm, friendly eyes twinkled in greeting. Raquel especially remembered that well-proportioned mouth, now set in a complacent smile. Far too complacent. His expression prompted rude mutterings from her crew. Contemplating his smug attitude, Raquel knew without him saying a word that the situation had drastically changed, and decidedly not in her favor. Nick Venture, all too alive and one hundred percent a real man, stared down into her. At this point, however, deep resentment over the attack drove any lingering attraction from her mind. It was impossible to reach out and slap him, so she glared and crossed her arms. “How dare you breach my ship!” Nick shrugged with maddening indifference. “Lady, I‟ll get right to the point. Three anchors are embedded in your hull. Inside each anchor is a bomb.” He pointed to a spot on his screen. “I can detonate all three. All at once, or one at a time.” Leaning back, he tucked both arms behind his head, as relaxed as a sunbather at the beach. Devastatingly handsome lips angled into a devilish grin. “Pretty cool, huh?” “Stop playing games and state your business!” With a problem as serious as hull breaches, she had to resolve this conflict as soon as possible. Nothing else mattered. A golden brow arched in mock concern. “What‟s wrong? You sound angry.” “I am angry!” Wincing, Raquel abruptly sealed her lips. Damn. 90

Once Upon a Time in Space She hadn‟t meant to lose control like that. Idly, she studied a fingernail. “What do you want, you fucking landlubber?” When he didn‟t immediately answer, she flicked her gaze back to the screen. His expression had hardened. Heh. That got to him. Raquel couldn‟t help but notice that when intense resolve saturated his features, he appeared all the more alluring. Damn him! “I believe you made a mistake, so we‟re here to correct that. We‟re taking our supplies back.” He lowered his arms. All traces of playfulness had disappeared from his face. “Prepare to be boarded in fifteen minutes.” Then he leaned forward in a pose of flawless virility. “Oh, and don‟t worry about your cargo. I‟ll only take what belongs to me.” A finger pointed straight at her, a river of guilt leading straight into her soul. “Resist at your peril. Santa Maria out.” Raquel stared in rage at the blank screen. Her phantom eye itched furiously. What belongs to him? Who did that man think he was? Now she lay in his clutches, her hunt for justice seriously jeopardized. That impulsive kiss of hers had opened a Pandora‟s box that she might never be able to shut. Though she might as well as have been shouting from the depths of a black hole, she couldn‟t resist a parting shot. “Go to hell, you fucking bastard!” **** Alas, she didn‟t get to watch him burn. Raquel studied her console intently. Fifteen minutes left barely enough time to plan a clean way out of this mess. She guessed that Nick‟s fleet had jumped to the Deathraven‟s position after escaping the mines. But how had they done it? Clever, that Nick Venture. Neither she nor her crew could account for how the ships appeared without any warning. On top of that puzzle, for some odd reason the vessels carried anchors, like the seafaring vessels of old. In the absence of 91

decent artillery, he and his crew had rigged them with bombs. Now her junk was caught in their net, and she was at his mercy. Again. She wanted to punch his clever face out. Nick couldn‟t possibly know how desperate she was to find That Bastard. She‟d have to feign outrage and perhaps even fake a savage little tantrum to throw him off base and let him think it was a simple matter of a pirate getting her due. In light of her goal, the loss of her dignity was a mighty small sacrifice to make. Reluctantly, she authorized their shuttle to land in the docking bay. A short while later, Smiley announced that Nick himself had come aboard, a number of his crew in tow. Raquel chewed slowly over the knowledge, not wanting to be hasty. Perhaps his appearance was an opportunity for answers. At the very least, she had to negotiate freedom for her ship and crew once the transfer of supplies was complete. Standing, Raquel ordered that he be escorted—unharmed—to her quarters. She had just enough time to enter her cabin and sit facing the entrance when the radio blared, announcing Nick‟s arrival. As the hatch slid open, a short, weasel-like man pushed in first. His blustery, pugnacious attitude made him as much of a threat to her as a gnat. Raquel merely raised a delicate brow. After casing the quarters, he shot her a defiant look, though its impact was undermined by some very bizarre facial contortions. He started waxing about some threat if she “…laid even one little finger on Captain Venture.” She assumed a disinterested expression and looked past him. Smiley entered, scowling as only he could with that misshapen mouth of his. By way of introduction he announced, “This is Twitch, Venture‟s second-in-command… or so he says.” Twitch proudly advanced forward. 92

Once Upon a Time in Space “That‟s close enough!” Smiley barked. He then pointed to an appropriately remote place for Twitch to stand. Taking a position front and left of his captain, Smiley crossed his arms, a seething pillar of malice. Raquel glanced back to the hatchway. Beyond the frame it was dark and empty. Suddenly, she couldn‟t remember how her lungs were supposed to work. She tugged her ascot and wet her lips. Despite her intention of keeping a distant, cool demeanor, her body dictated otherwise. When a tousled, golden head of hair eased through the hatch, she couldn‟t look away. It was attached to a tall, brawny frame shouldering its way into the cabin with the grace of a lion. Nick. Raquel gripped the armrests so hard it sent shockwaves barreling up to her chest. The second he appeared, her breasts felt suddenly fuller, her nipples scandalously pointed. Why was her heart beating so fast? She pursed her lips. How idiotic. Get a grip! The Deathraven is horribly maimed because of him. The reminder eased the tension gripping her body, but only a little. Twitch studied the cabin while uttering noises of disgust. Then he trained a fluttering gaze toward Raquel. “We hear you‟re the Siren, but maybe the Farmer in the Dell is more like it.” Gesturing to the abundant greenery, he asked, “What is all this crap?” His hand shot out and grabbed a bundle of cloverleaves, uprooting it completely. The action knocked over an adjacent planter tray. It tumbled to the deck, scattering the contents. My god! Although she didn‟t understand his reference, his actions spoke volumes. The hasty lout would tear her precious plants apart if she didn‟t stop him. Frantically she stood, and the words broke from her mouth before she could retract them. “No, leave them alone! Stop it!” 93

Twitch froze. A look of guilt and fear flickered across his face before melting into a smirk. “What, are you in love with these smelly weeds or something? Fuck, for a pirate, that‟s pretty weak.” Smiley reached for his holster. Raquel shot him a glare, and he reluctantly withdrew. Damn. I shouldn‟t have overreacted like that. Nick cleared his throat. “Twitch, I‟d like to speak to the captain privately. No, leave it alone. Wait outside, please.” Twitch dropped the injured plant back onto the deck, staring at his captain in surprise. But then he jutted his chin towards Smiley. “I ain‟t leavin‟ you alone with Happy the Clown here. If he stays, I stay.” For good measure, he crossed his arms. Nick shifted his calm, rational gaze to Raquel. For a brief moment, she fell captive to his warm hazel eyes. His intense stare implied it was just the two of them in all of space. Who knew what other spellbinding effects he could have on her? She was determined to not find out. This is just business. Yanking her gaze away, she nodded at Smiley, who gestured for Twitch to precede him. They left. Raquel felt suddenly vulnerable and questioned her plan to meet with him. She really didn‟t want to see him or talk to him. No, that wasn‟t true. Rather, she didn‟t want him to see her so defeated. To mask her shame, she bent to clean up the spilled plant residue. Awkward silence ticked by before Nick finally spoke. “I‟m sorry about Twitch. He… gets a little excited at times. Here, let me help you—” “No. I‟ve got it.” She snatched the limp tendrils from his hand, but not before his fingers grazed her palm, leaving a tingling sensation in their wake. They stared at one another again, as if for the very first time. 94

Once Upon a Time in Space The brief physical touch was so unexpectedly tender that it left her speechless. Despite being roughened by labor, his hands were beautiful. They were large and strong and as sexy as the rest of him. If his fingers did that with the merest touch to her palm, what about the rest of her body? Raquel suppressed the thought. Nick Venture was becoming a dangerous distraction. Standing, she recalled her purpose in asking him here. “How did you get past the mines?” Nick chuckled. “That really bothers you, doesn‟t it?” Raquel shot him a don‟t-fuck-with-me look. He shrugged. “My crew donned spacesuits and pushed them aside.” Raquel narrowed her good eye. “Pushed them aside?” “Pushed them out of the way with their bare hands. Figuratively speaking.” “Their bare… their bare hands? That‟s impossible!” But even as the words left her mouth, Raquel knew he was telling the truth. Growing serious, he folded his arms. Naturally, this served to enhance the broadness of his chest and shoulders. “I‟m here, aren‟t I? It was just a matter of using propulsion to clear a path out of the field.” He briefly glanced toward the array of plants. Then he pinned her with a riveting gaze. “I‟ll tell you what I think. You‟re obviously an intelligent pirate, but I think you miscalculated the situation. See, you left us feeling way too desperate.” He stepped closer. The warmth of his body swept toward her, enveloping her in its vitality. Soulful eyes searched her face. “If you had really wanted to beat us, you should have left us with some kind of hope.” Raquel gaped at him. Who are you? Clearly, there was more to Nick Venture than met the eye. She had vastly underestimated him. Truthfully, she admired his ingenuity, but she would slice off 95

her own tongue before telling him that. Still, there was another matter to resolve, namely, how his ships had eluded the Deathraven‟s radar. She was about to press him when he continued. “There‟s something else you should know.” She tensed. “What is it?” “I can‟t afford for that kind of attack to happen again. As soon as we get our supplies back, we‟re reporting you to the Space Defense Corps.” Like hell you will. “You said you were avoiding the military yourself.” She waved a hand dismissively. “A bit presumptuous of you to assume we‟re going to stick around and get arrested.” Nick sighed. “I‟m not stupid. We‟ll maintain our current position until they arrive.” “What makes you think you can get away so easily?” “We have… ways.” “What does that mean?” Unfortunately, the intrigue in her voice contradicted her glare. “What aren‟t you telling me?” He didn‟t answer. Instead, his gaze dropped to her lips, lingering there for a few heated moments before roving back up to her eyes. Frustration mounted, propelled by fear. He had backed her into a corner. Raquel had to change the odds and fast. “Maybe I‟ll turn you into the authorities. Ever think of that?” Oh, for god‟s sake, why are you acting like a petulant child? Nick ran a hand casually through his hair, causing his bangs to fall in a sensuous wave across his forehead. “Do what you need to do. I, for one, intend to reach that planet.” But then an unbearable softness lit his eyes. When he spoke, his voice massaged her ears with a low, husky murmur. “I wouldn‟t have minded sharing a bit of it… with you.” He stepped even closer. “Well, I guess this is 96

Once Upon a Time in Space good-bye.” He leaned forward, head tilted, clearly aiming for a kiss. Oh no you don‟t. Raquel turned her head, but not fast enough. Smooth, firm lips pressed against her cheek. Despite a thousand klaxons warning that she should back away and run, she only stiffened. Then Nick did the unthinkable. His right hand tugged at her ascot, leaving her neck bare. Lowering his head, he assailed the sensitive skin with his hot, perfectly formed mouth. He stayed there. Only there. Didn‟t touch or hold or grab her anywhere else. Just stretched his lips wide and kissed that one exposed part of her neck and cleaved to it, giving it a hard stroke with his tongue now and then. Raquel‟s vulnerability shamed her, but she arched her neck in response to his touch. With every pass of his lips, her skin shivered with pleasure. A moan escaped, betraying her excitement, and she was quickly losing the battle to hide it. Why did this have to feel so good? Why was she allowing this to happen? The questions only dampened the sweet sensations, so she banished them from her mind. Curious about more than just his mouth, she inhaled deeply. He smelled of Earth. Clean and woodsy, like the preserved tree trunk in the museum she had once had the privilege of visiting as a child. She closed her eyes, relishing the deep, pounding ache that suddenly engulfed her entire body. Spasms of arousal made her hips jerk toward him, mischief and desire pushing her to discover how hard she could make him. This was in reaction to the touch of his lips on her neck. She wondered what would happen if she suddenly flung herself against him, feeling the whole length of his hard, muscular body rammed against hers. Her mouth watered in response to the delirious fantasy. Inwardly, she sighed. When had a man ever kissed her like that? 97

Short answer. Never. Steamy breath caressed her skin. Teeth gently nipped here and there. Ripples of sweet delight coursed through her as he branded her with his lips. When he stopped, it was much too soon. An involuntary shiver coursed through her, and she almost reached for him. But then she remembered what he was about to do, and a black cloud of angst soured her desire. Tenderly, he re-tied her ascot. In her ear, his low voice whispered, “I‟m sorry it had to end like this.” Then he turned away and strode toward the hatch. No! Don‟t leave me! The failure galled her. How could she face her crew? She couldn‟t bear to lose everything she had fought for. At that moment, desperation seeded an idea so cunning and obvious it was a wonder she hadn‟t thought of it sooner. “Wait,” she said, heart pounding. She spoke rapidly, staking her life and the lives of her crew on this last, risky chance. “I‟ll make you a deal.” He stopped. Turned. “I‟m listening.” “I‟ll escort your ships to this planet. We‟ll protect you from other pirates and even the military if need be. In exchange, you won‟t report us.” Nick rubbed his chin. “Hmm. Interesting proposition, but you‟ve given me no reason to trust you.” “You have my word. I…I can‟t afford to be arrested, and not for the reason you might think.” She searched for the right words, reluctant to reveal too much. “Not all pirates are what they seem.” His expression rippled with intrigue. “Tell me the truth, so I don‟t have any more misconceptions. So I have a reason to trust you.” Oh, no, please don‟t. His voice sounded so soothing. The invitation tempted her. She wished he wouldn‟t talk to her in such 98

Once Upon a Time in Space a manner. She didn‟t deserve it. Raquel gestured aimlessly. “Please don‟t ask me that. It should be enough that I have to avoid arrest at all costs. You can even borrow one of my crew as insurance. Let me protect you, and then we‟ll go our separate ways.” Nick cocked his head and studied her for a long moment. She met his gaze steadily, but couldn‟t suppress the tremble in her hands. She clenched them into fists. Nick broke into a wide grin. “It‟s a deal. Minus the crew. I‟ll give you this chance to earn my trust.” He extended a hand. “Shake on it?” Raquel thought it quaint after the intimacy they had shared, but she acquiesced with a firm clasp of his hand. Was it her imagination, or was he reluctant to let go? Regardless, she broke it off first. Now it was time to carry out her promise. “Follow me to the bridge,” she said. Exiting the cabin, they encountered Twitch and Smiley outside. Their stances gave the impression that neither had let down his guard the entire time. Smiley regarded Raquel with an expectant gaze as she strode past. She motioned him to follow. Leading the way, she listened as Twitch appealed to Nick for information. “Okay, what gives? It was a little too quiet in there, if you know what I mean.” “Ah, no, I don‟t know. Anyway, you‟ll find out in a minute. We‟re headed to the bridge.” Relief flooded her. Upon hearing the question, Raquel had wondered if Nick had told his crew about their previous encounter. Obviously he hadn‟t. Still, she would have to be careful. Her crew might not care who she fucked, but she couldn‟t risk them worrying that her loyalties lay anywhere but with the Deathraven. Once on the bridge, she ordered Fenton to raise the Niña and 99

the Pinta. Sidelong glances shot from every station, but she knew their curiosity would be sated soon enough. When contact was made, Raquel nodded curtly at Nick, an indication for him to take the lead. Nick then announced the alliance. The two captains met the news with stunned silence. The old woman introduced as Lillian scowled. Sammy nodded, but the hardened look in his eyes belied his acknowledgement. Raquel noticed that Twitch was alternating his gaze between Nick and herself. What does he suspect? Nothing, she hoped, turning her attention back to the transmission. Nick was ordering that Eden‟s coordinates be relayed to the Deathraven. There was nothing more to be done at the moment, save for repairs. Raquel brusquely escorted Nick and Twitch to the bay where the others awaited, the shuttle packed with the first load of recovered cargo. Nick idled by the hatch, staring at her. “I‟ll alert you as soon as repairs are finished,” she said, perhaps a little too breathlessly. Just because I‟m joining your mission doesn‟t mean I have to look at you, think about you, or in any way want anything more to do with you. With nary a glance back, she headed for the airlock. “Wait!” Nick called out. Raquel turned, one brow arched. Nick was regarding her with deep curiosity. “I almost forgot to ask. What‟s your name?” She toyed with creating a pseudonym, but in the end decided it would make the situation too complicated. Besides, she would feel pretty foolish if anyone actually called her “Siren” to her face. So, she told him, but only her first name. It seemed to satisfy, for he nodded slowly and then departed with a wave. Raquel returned to the bridge with her stomach in knots and 100

Once Upon a Time in Space her heart in her throat, hoping she hadn‟t just made the most gargantuan mistake of her entire life.

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Chapter Seven Upon his return to the Santa Maria, Nick‟s first order of business was to instruct his crew to retract all anchors. Then he called a meeting regarding their new escort. No one challenged his decision, but as Lillian was the first to point out, they didn‟t have to like it. Nick received his share of “watch your back” and “don‟t trust ‟em as far as you can throw ‟em” warnings. He eventually agreed that if the alliance turned dangerous, they‟d cloak and leave the Deathraven behind. Nick wasn‟t sure he could really do that, but he kept that doubt to himself. As he awaited word from Raquel, Nick retreated to his cabin for some much- needed rest. He rubbed both eyes as exhaustion caught up with him. Despite his mechanical background, he had to enlist Janice‟s help to figure out the cabin‟s various amenities. With her bright smile, she somehow made it seem like a refresher course so as not to insult his intelligence. She also showed him how to access the data files that would teach him the fundamentals of life aboard a starship. Nick knew he‟d rather spend time accessing Raquel, but he thanked Janice all the same. After she left, he tinkered with the files for an hour or so, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the mysterious woman who commanded the Deathraven. He still couldn‟t believe how receptive she had been to his recent advances. She was full of surprises, and it made him realize just how much he loved being surprised. Did she really find him attractive, or was she toying with him? He went back and forth for a while, analyzing every look she had 102

Once Upon a Time in Space given him, every gesture, and most especially, the sway of her hips as he caressed her neck. She probably thought he hadn‟t noticed, and he grinned. What other interesting responses could he evoke from her voluptuous body? Excitement made him restless, because now he‟d undoubtedly have plenty of opportunity. Then reality came crashing down around him. He had a serious mission to accomplish. Why was he wasting time with her? It wouldn‟t be fair to the crew he served or to the citizens back home who unknowingly depended on him for their survival. Besides, it was impossible to fall in love with someone he had kissed only twice. His brow furrowed. Wasn‟t it? Regardless of his feelings, Nick hoped he hadn‟t committed a severe misjudgment in allowing her to join the mission as protector. After all, pirates weren‟t to be trusted, and this one was definitely hiding something big. He suspected she had surrendered to his demands far too easily. Interestingly enough, she had seemed more than a little curious about the mine episode. A burst of confidence flowed through him at the memory. He liked to think she had discovered him to be a worthy opponent. Worthy of her respect. The best weapon you‟ll have is your ingenuity…. Speaking of same, Nick experienced a newfound respect for his eccentric employer. You were right, Doc. After a sani-shower, he changed into a fresh set of clothes. Just as he finished, Twitch‟s voice crackled through the radio. Raquel and her crew had completed repairs. They were all ready to jump to the next set of designated coordinates, a sector on the outer edge of the Milky Way Galaxy‟s Perseus Arm. Nick told him he‟d be right there, but Twitch suggested that he rest in his cabin if he thought he could sleep through the jump effects. Nick was all too glad to turn command of the bridge over to him. 103

He reclined on the bunk, into which his hulky frame only just fit. Well, it felt like luxury accommodations compared to his exberth. Nick closed his eyes. Soon after, he fell into scorching, jump-induced dreams about sexy, sassy, one-eyed Raquel. **** Nick awoke with a shout as the deck smacked his left temple, or maybe it was the other way around. When the grogginess cleared, he discovered himself tangled like a knot on the deck of his cabin. It vibrated chaotically beneath him for a few terrifying moments. What the hell was that? He leapt up and raced for the bridge. After losing his way—twice—Nick finally burst through the lift doors and stumbled to his station. Rubbing his sore temple, he asked for a status report and then snapped on the harness. Twitch tossed him a sympathetic glance. “Ah, yeah… sorry about the turbulence.” He cocked his head toward the wheel, now gripped firmly in his hands. “For a second, we were thrown a bit off course.” Nick frowned. “By what?” “A solar storm system,” Janice reported. “We‟re still gathering data.” “Storm? You get storms out here?” “Sort‟ve,” Gideon interjected. “More like an energy mass with attitude.” He drew up a schematic on the main screen. “This sector is dominated by five red giant stars that are clustered very closely together. A real anomaly. I won‟t bore you with the exact details, but only a few million miles separate each of them. They all, of course, spit out solar flares like there‟s no tomorrow. The area between is basically a quicksand of magnetically charged plasma, except for the eye.” “So that‟s bad, I take it.” Gideon nodded. “Extremely bad. And very hot. The Alfven wave 104

Once Upon a Time in Space count is off the scale.” “Can‟t we avoid it? Why didn‟t Dr. Raj tell us about it?” The engineer rubbed his chin. “He did. At the time the course was projected, we were supposed to give it a wide berth. Somehow, it grew in strength since that time. Or shifted. Something. Whatever happened, the whole caboodle is now blocking our path.” “It was the ship reversing thrust that interrupted your beauty sleep,” Twitch added, speaking over his shoulder. “We already switched to tach drive so there wouldn‟t be any danger to the sails.” A pregnant pause followed. “If that‟s okay with you.” Nick waved in acknowledgement. “Anything you say, Twitch.” He glanced toward the Communications and Radar station. “Janice, the Deathraven still with us?” “Uh-huh. As a matter of fact, The Sir—Captain Raquel wanted to speak with you as soon as you reached the bridge.” Janice‟s hand pressed against her earpiece, her expression a neutral one. “You ready?” He nodded, glancing at the view screen as images of the angry crimson storm faded in preparation for the transmission. “Why don‟t you raise Lillian and Sammy as well? They should be in on this.” “Aye, aye, Cap‟n.” She split the view screen for the four-way conference. „Captain.‟ Nick sighed quietly. This crew of his! They did him too much honor. “…see that there varmint?” Lillian was saying as the channel opened. She was engrossed in conversation with someone off screen. “That thing‟s bigger than a pair of Bullock‟s Balls! Oh hey there, Nick darling.” Nick winced. Where did she come up with these expressions? 105

What the heck was a Bullock? He motioned for her to quiet down. Sammy nodded in greeting, earnest as usual. Then the pirate minx herself appeared. Raquel sat astride her captain‟s chair, as before. So slinky and sexy, Nick thought. Was she wild in bed, like the untamed storm in their midst? The corner of his lip curled up at the image. He relished the challenge, even pictured himself reaching through the Deathraven‟s hull to release her from its mortal confines. They‟d come together in a clash of fiery need among the stars, naked flesh against naked flesh as the solar storm raged in the background. Nick stopped the fantasy before it spiraled out of control. It was unnervingly different from any he‟d had before. He chalked it up to a peculiar side effect from the recent jump. Dispensing with any preamble, Raquel began speaking. “This place is known to us. They call it the Dragon‟s Belly. Prudent people avoid it. Interestingly, the last time we had business in the area, we spotted a military vessel. It probably doesn‟t mean anything now, but I thought I‟d mention it.” Nick wanted to ask what business she could possibly have had so far from Earth‟s solar system, but he bided his time. “Why do you think they were here?” Raquel shrugged. “Patrolling. Hunting for pirates. A recce mission. Who knows? The real point is…this system is dangerous.” “So, folks, what‟s the plan?” Nick started finger-combing his hair, but retracted his hand as soon as he realized what he was doing. Why did he care so much about what he looked like? “Do we wait for it to die down, go around it, or what?” Raquel narrowed her good eye. “Aren‟t you listening? The Dragon‟s Belly dies for no one. There‟s no navigating through it, either. Not without incurring serious damage.” Her expression darkened. “Or death.” 106

Once Upon a Time in Space Nick regarded her coolly. “I‟m listening, Captain. Your point is well taken. But I‟m not going to allow that storm to derail the mission.” He swept his gaze across his colleagues, but not before noticing that her expression had lapsed into one of exasperation. “What about jumping past it?” Raquel shook her head. “Too large a mass, and theory goes that it would play havoc with the jump unit. No one has ever done that and lived to tell about it.” You‟re determined to play the expert guide here, aren‟t you? Nick appreciated her protectiveness, but it irked him that she seemed to think he‟d give up so easily. “We could navigate around it,” Sammy offered, and his tone suggested it was his number one choice and would everyone else please just agree? Leaning against the locked wheel, Twitch groaned. “That would take months. We could run out of supplies. Or run into some farout Space Defense Corps nuts. More importantly, I don‟t think Earth will last that long.” He gestured toward the view screen. “I gotta agree with Miss Raquel there. A jump isn‟t viable. What if we land inside a star or some shit like that? I say we take our chances and go through at normal speed.” Lillian expelled a noisy breath. “Christ on a crutch, Twitch! We ain‟t gonna land in a star, you idiot!” “Shit, grandma, I know that. It was justa fuckin‟ example.” Her voiced dropped to a warning growl. “I told you not to call me that.” Twitch studied his fingernails. “I‟ll call you that if I want to. What are you gonna do about it?” A thick-soled brown boot suddenly filled up her part of the screen. “Shove this up your bony little ass, that‟s what.” Sammy broke in. “Guys, can you stop it? That‟s so 107

unprofessional.” “Shut up, Sammy,” Twitch barked. “Don‟t tell him to shut up! He‟sjusttryintofiggersomethingouthere….” The rest of Lillian‟s words spilled out so fast Nick couldn‟t follow her. But when he sternly interjected and asked for her best advice, she fell silent and pursed her lips. I thought as much. For all of your bravado, you‟re frightened. Nick shifted his gaze back to Raquel. Calmly, he solicited her opinion. The pirate shrugged again. “You‟re the commander. I go where you go.” Great. That makes it so much easier. Nick rubbed his face. Bruce‟s bullshit was nothing compared to this conundrum. Well, a choice had to be made, and furthermore, he had to rein in the churlish behavior of his personnel. He wanted the choices to be fully explored and the vote unanimous. Nick decided he would toss down the gauntlet. Standing, he delivered a verdict. “I say we all take some time and study our options. Seems pretty clear that a jump is out. That leaves going through the storm or around it. I want pros and cons for both in three hours, at which time I‟ll make a decision.” “Nick?” “Yes, Raquel?” “Contact me when you decide on a course of action. Deathraven out.” “What? Oh, uh, all right. I didn‟t mean to—” A chilly expression flashed his way as her image blinked out. “—snap orders at you.” Perplexed, Nick stared at the empty screen for a moment. Ah, crap. Something he had said or done had pissed her off. Not exactly a great way to begin their 108

Once Upon a Time in Space partnership. Or win her heart. **** As soon as Nick heard the knock on his cabin‟s hatch, he swiveled around in his chair. “Come in.” Janice entered. About an hour after the conference, Nick had asked her to drop by, but hadn‟t stipulated the purpose. “Anything I can do for you?” He swallowed the last bite of his meal and put down the faux coffee that he‟d been nursing. Running a hand through his hair, he felt a little embarrassed and hoped she didn‟t notice. “Is there a way to contact Captain Raquel privately from this station?” He ducked his head at her perplexed stare. “For a consultation about the storm, I mean.” Janice brightened. “Oh, absolutely. Here, I‟ll patch you through.” “Great. Thanks.” He shifted to one side to allow her access to the console. She made the requisite salutation and then turned to Nick. “She should appear momentarily. When you‟re done, tap this square.” “Thank you.” Just before leaving, she smiled at him a little too knowingly. Nick kept his expression neutral, but his fingers restlessly drummed the arm of his chair. Women! He watched the hatch closely to make sure it slid all the way shut. “What do you want?” Nick jumped and turned back to the screen. There she was before him. Only her upper body appeared within the frame, but it seemed as though she were sharing an intimate moment with him right there in the cabin. “Are you…? Can you talk privately?” 109

A long, low sigh escaped her lips. She turned and spoke to someone. A slight rustling sound followed her action. Nick didn‟t care to speculate about who was in her cabin, or why. “I can now,” she said. “What‟s so classified that you couldn‟t contact me from the bridge?” It wasn‟t the question that threw him off guard so much as the answer simmering in his mind. The thought currently dominating him was a memory of the fervid kisses they had shared. Though her mouth was set in a firm line, it couldn‟t mask the sensual fullness of her lips. Nick had a definite plan for how he‟d pleasure them the next time they met in person. First, he would run a thumb lightly across the soft, supple skin. Then, he‟d gently take the upper one into his mouth…. “Venture?” “Yeah, um, that military ship you picked up. Where was it headed?” She stared at him for half a beat more before frowning in thought. “Not sure. Hang on while I check my logs.” Hardly one to avoid a perfect opportunity, Nick used the time to study the cascade of thick, lustrous hair that fell across her face as she concentrated on pulling up the records. Torrid, sensual images sprung up in his mind, especially of running his fingers through it, or gripping it in the throes of a— “Course projection indicates it was headed on a path around the Dragon‟s Belly, towards the LMC.” The corners of her mouth dipped further. “That‟s really strange.” “Strange,” he echoed. He was admiring the set of her chin. Strong. Determined. “Nick?” “I‟m sorry, what?” Pay attention, fool. “I said it‟s strange that the ship was heading toward the other 110

Once Upon a Time in Space side of the storm. But the coordinates your people sent me show that this new planet lies on a similar course trajectory.” A long, slender finger pointed warningly his way. “Is there something you‟re not telling me?” He shook his head. “Not at all. I was assured by the Collective that the Space Defense Corps is unaware of the planet.” “Nick?” A smile tugged at his lips. He really enjoyed the sound of his name on her tongue. “Yeah?” “What‟s the true purpose of this communication?” “Ummm… to consult about the storm?” Raquel snorted. “Let‟s cut the bullshit. Who are you, really?” Not only gorgeous, but also perceptive. Nick grinned. What could it hurt? “I was picked for this mission because of my unique heritage.” He paused, fearing it would sound silly describing it to her. “Supposedly, I‟m the only living descendent of Christopher Columbus.” Raquel delicately rubbed her chin. “Where have I heard that name before?” “The man who discovered America.” “Ah. That‟s right.” “Yeah. Dr. Raj thinks I‟ll bring the journey good luck.” A pause followed. Raquel settled more deeply into her chair. Then, the hardness in her good eye softened, just a little. “Nick, tell me about Earth.” Nick‟s hand froze halfway to his mug. Interesting. A ruthless space pirate eager for news about Earth. “What would you like to know? Has it been that long since you‟ve lived there?” The pirate nodded slowly. “Tell me about being there. Which underground city did you live in?” Nick brushed his bangs aside to see her more clearly. Again, 111

what could it hurt? He knew he probably shouldn‟t get too chummy, but there was something about the way she asked the question, as though compelled by a deep yearning. It made her seem… vulnerable. “Well, I was born in Greeley, Colorado. Both my parents were ill, so I left home as soon as high school ended to find work….” He talked and talked, heedless of the time. The more Nick told her, the more she wanted to know. She seemed hungry for details, no matter how trivial. He told her as much as he knew about the recent crust collapses, as well as the upcoming presidential election (which admittedly wasn‟t much). There were other things she wanted to hear about, too, like the A.F.E. protests. Of this, he knew little. But he was intimately familiar with Earth‟s dark underground cocoons that substituted for real homes. He told Raquel that the latest berths were barely large enough to fit the average human body. Entire populations went to sleep always fearful that a surprise cave-in would kill them during the night. Sometimes, they were right. Others went insane from the relentless claustrophobia. He told her about his own experience. “Right before Dr. Raj recruited me, I was up for a promotion and my own private room. I only needed my boss‟s approval. The place wouldn‟t have been a mansion, but at least I would have been able to stand upright.” He clenched a fist at the memory, temporarily at a loss for words. “What happened?” “Instead of the promotion, I was fired. It‟s funny how a man‟s priorities can change after he steps back and sees things for what they are.” He chuckled wryly. “Once, I saved for years to buy an apple. A real apple. It cost a small fortune, but I wanted something that came from nature, not the reconstituted gruel forced on us day after day. Strangely, once I had it, I couldn‟t eat it. I just 112

Once Upon a Time in Space couldn‟t destroy something so beautiful. Instead, I let it sit and slowly rot, right along with the rest of us.” Raquel eyed him intensely. As Nick strove to feed her seemingly insatiable need for information, he attempted to process the dynamics of their conversation on other levels. The fact that a pirate who led a reckless, adventurous life was interested in his unremarkable existence intrigued him. What was it about this woman that made him want to endear himself to her? An electric jolt of anticipation raked his body. One-eyed Raquel was a mystery he felt determined to unravel, to probe. “…and then Dr. Raj springs me from jail and hires me for this mission. And, well, you know the rest.” A quick glance at the screen‟s time icon informed him that nearly two hours had passed. She nodded, apparently satisfied. He, however, wasn‟t. A question burned in him, stoked by the flame of her relentless inquisitiveness. “Raquel?” “Yes?” She sounded breathless, almost excited. The thought of her breathless and excited as she writhed naked beneath him was almost more than he could stand. He pushed the fantasy aside, because it was only that. A fantasy. “How did you become a pirate?” Raquel parted her lips, then closed them, hesitating. In the interim, klaxons sounded aboard both of their ships. They exchanged looks of alarm. Raquel broke the transmission first. Damn! Then Nick berated himself. He had a mission to accomplish. Janice radioed him with an urgent request for his presence on the bridge. He reached it in minutes. This time, he didn‟t lose his way. He joined the others clustered around Janice‟s station. “What is it?” 113

“A fleet of three Corps patrol ships breathing down our neck!” Janice reported the coordinates, speed, and estimated time of arrival at their own position. A devastatingly short hour. As Gideon was quick to point out, the fleet could jump to their position within minutes if so ordered. Nick‟s head swam at the calamitous nature of the fleet‟s appearance. No matter what Dr. Raj had predicted, this was anything but lucky. Nick regarded the others solemnly. “So we should hightail it out of here, is what you‟re saying?” Twitch grunted an acknowledgement. He returned to his station, hands clutching the navigation wheel tightly. “Just give the order where to go, Nick.” Nick grimaced as he resumed his station. They had no choice but to take off immediately. The ships were built for distance, not speed or battle. If the military discovered their purpose, it would spell the end for Earth. He had to make it impossible for them to track his ships. “Janice, relay this order to the others. We‟ll go the last place they‟d ever expect. Set a course dead ahead… straight into the Dragon‟s Belly.”

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Chapter Eight Nick wasn‟t sure what to expect, but he expected the worst. Upon hearing the order, the entire bridge crew stared at him for a full minute before finally snapping to attention. Twitch was the first to recover. “C‟mon you nincompoops, look alive, look alive! Batten down the hatches!” As the wheel‟s polished surface flickered with colors, it seemed to come alive beneath his hands. “Hit me up, Janice!” Nick was pretty sure there weren‟t any hatches to batten down, but the fervor in his second‟s tone was important. If they were going to escape the military threat in one piece, they‟d need a healthy dose of confidence. Course coordinates flew like quicksilver from Janice‟s mouth to Twitch‟s ears, and the navigation wheel spun faster than a pinwheel in a hurricane as the Santa Maria altered course for the angry red storm system. Several minutes had passed when turbulence rocked the ship so hard Nick feared it would tear the vessel apart. He gripped the armrests and hung on with all of his strength. The vessel rocked and pitched, heaved, bucked, and then pitched and heaved again. There‟d be spurts of smooth sailing and then—WHAM! Ornery forces buffeted the ship from all sides. Nick kept his mouth sealed shut, struggling to contain the contents of his stomach. The headlong plunge was successful. Within the hour, Janice reported that the fleet had dropped from the radar. They‟d managed to shake off the military interlopers. Relief eased some of the tension in his gut, but he knew the real challenge lay ahead. Would they be able to escape the grip of this deep-space kraken? 115

Without warning, the Santa Maria tilted at a precarious angle. A deep thud-thud-thud reverberated through the hull, originating from somewhere in the lower part of the ship. Thrown from the wheel, Twitch hit the deck hard and rolled out of Nick‟s sight. Janice and Gideon flailed in their seats. The engineer cursed, and then set about assessing the damage. “Twitch, you okay?” Nick asked, hands poised to unfasten his harness. “Yeah, yeah. Just a little bump. Nothin‟ serious.” He raced back to the navigation wheel. “Making course correction.” Then he smacked his forehead. “Oh, shit.” “Uh-oh,” Janice said. “That wasn‟t too smooth. Lillian wants a word.” “I can take it. Patch her though.” “What was that sound?” Nick demanded. Lillian‟s face was a poisonous red smear across the view screen. “… the hell did you hit my ship for? Where‟dyoulearntopilotinyourass?” “It was an accident! I was trying to avoid a solar flare.” “Codswallop! Gotta big ol‟ dent in my hull—” Twitch glared. “Better your hull gets a fuckin‟ dent than we get fried! There was no way to see it coming.” “Is there any damage?” Nick interjected loudly. A nightmarish vision arose in his mind of them all being sucked into space through a jagged-toothed gap. “Nothing we can‟t handle,” Gideon reassured him. “Nick! Hey… guys!” Janice called out. “—watch where you‟re going is all I‟m asking.” “Who said I wasn‟t?” Janice‟s shrill voice became a shriek. “Will you morons stop arguing for one goddamn second?” 116

Once Upon a Time in Space “What is it?” Nick asked. “The Nina‟s drifting!” “Ladies and gents,” said Lillian, “we have to do something. They could get sucked into this here hell right quick.” Though no one looked in his direction, Nick realized he had to come up with a plan. Right now. Everyone was depending on him to lead. But his thoughts refused to function. He stared at the deck, feeling utterly useless. In fact, he suspected he was probably doing the mission more harm than good. Might as well space me with the rest of the trash…. At the thought, Nick looked up. Pieces of a mental puzzle clicked solidly into place. He felt a renewed sense of purpose. Could it really be that simple? He jumped to his feet. “We‟ll use the anchors.” Confused stares met his announcement. “To link the ships.” He looked at his engineer. “We can do that, right?” Gideon nodded. “We can try. It‟s dangerous, though. If another flare barrels through like the last one, the damage could be severe.” “Never mind that we‟d be so close it‟d be like trying to maneuver around in a cockroach‟s ass,” Lillian added. Nick made a fist. “It‟s a chance we have to take. If there aren‟t any other objections, let‟s get into position. Twitch, Gideon, make it happen.” As Lillian nodded assent and ended the transmission, he called out to Janice. “Let me talk to Raquel.” “Aye, Captain.” During the interim, the Pinta‟s anchor shot out and buried itself in the Nina‟s hull. Shortly after, Janice announced that Raquel was standing by. Nick glanced at the main screen to find the pirate regarding him gravely, her image punctuated by erratic flickers. 117

“What is it now?” Keep your cool. He was determined not to let her arrogance derail him. Instead, he told her about the new plan. A swift “I don‟t think so” followed, chased by a briskly dismissive hand. Nick bristled. “I didn‟t say the idea was perfect. We need to try something if we‟re going to make it through this storm alive. My crew will instruct you further—” “Captain Venture, perhaps I haven‟t made myself clear. You will not breach my hull with an anchor again. Or with anything else. If it makes you feel better, keep linking up among yourselves. My crew is experienced enough to handle a little turbulence.” Twitch‟s head made a sly quarter turn. He shot Nick a look that spoke volumes about his opinion of her crew‟s “experience.” Nick was formulating his response when she held up a hand and turned aside. “Speaking of which….” Then the transmission ended. “I‟m picking up another plasma emission,” Gideon reported, his hands flying over his screen. “It‟s another flare!” Janice announced. “Brace yourselves!” Twitch shouted. “Evasive action!” He spun the wheel, causing the Santa Maria to pitch wildly. “The Pinta and the Nina are maintaining position, but the Deathraven‟s going adrift!” Janice turned to him. “Orders?” Nick paused but briefly. The pirate‟s “I don‟t think so” replayed itself in his mind, echoing the words spoken by his former boss. If he could have banished the words from the English language, he‟d have done it. Being denied a promotion was one thing. Being denied a chance at Earth‟s salvation was definitely another. “Get us into position and fire the anchor into the Deathraven!” Seconds later, Gideon reported a successful launch. The Santa 118

Once Upon a Time in Space Maria lurched for a few precarious moments while the steel tether stretched and then grew taut. “She‟s locked down,” said the engineer, hurriedly wiping sweat from both cheeks. Twitch announced that the Nina was moving into position so it could link to the Santa Maria. A few vibrations in the deck and a distant screech indicated the connection had been made. Scant seconds later, Raquel contacted him. When her image appeared on the screen, it seemed as if the Devil himself had commandeered her soul. Nick could almost see the fire and brimstone swirling around her. Never had a gaze projected so much vitriol, all the more emphatic given it originated from a single eye. A long moment of tense silence followed, pricked by random spurts of static. “How… dare… you.” From her tone, Nick figured it wasn‟t really a question. But her condescending disposition was fast wearing thin. “That‟s some accusation, considering we just saved you and your crew from oblivion. Raquel, you gave your word to escort us. I expect you to follow through on that word, whatever it takes.” “Deliberately damaging my ship wasn‟t part of the bargain. Get that anchor out of my hull right now.” Nick crossed his arms. “No.” Dark eyes flashed menace. “Venture, count yourself lucky we‟re not on board the same ship.” She jabbed a finger toward him. “When this is over, I expect you to send a repair crew over and fix the damage.” “Don‟t worry. We‟ll fix your ship. In fact, I‟ll head up the operation myself.” Nick couldn‟t take his eyes off the view screen. More than ever, he wanted to fuck her good and hard. Preferably right at that moment. He didn‟t know how to reconcile the jumble of anger and attraction he felt toward the sultry pirate. But his 119

mouth knew. “Not only that, but I‟ll personally see to that attitude of yours, ‟cause it sure could use an adjustment.” Before she had a chance to respond, he drew a quick finger across his throat, signaling Janice to cut the transmission. There was a smattering of applause and whistles among the bridge crew, but Nick ignored them. Doubt plagued him. Had his decision to journey into the Dragon‟s Belly turned out to be a massive error in judgment? There could be other consequences as well. Once he released the Deathraven, would Raquel renounce her pledge of protection? Only time would tell. **** As the ships sank deeper into the storm system, Nick wondered more than once if he should belay the order and allow each vessel to fend for herself. Or maybe he was already in Hell, and everyone else was paying for his stupidity right along with him, just like his former Omnigroup team. Were they now homeless and starving? Nick‟s gut clenched. He had been wrong then. What if his last order turned out to be another mistake? Would his new comrades pay for it too, with their lives? Debris and solar flares pelted the ships almost as much as the turbulence knocked about the crews within them. The possibility of the vessels crashing into one another remained a constant peril. All teetered on the edge of mania. Everyone worked extended shifts. As a result, sleep deprivation led to jumpy, irritable moods. Insults and put-downs started to replace the formerly good-natured exchanges. Nick had to physically break up three fights. Lillian reported to him privately that she had to place one of her men in the brig for violent insubordination. She suspected a maladjustment problem in response to the intense pressure. The Pinta‟s captain actually used 120

Once Upon a Time in Space a saltier phrase, but Nick liked to think that‟s what she meant. But at last, after three long weeks, the storm system‟s outer edge appeared. The hungry gnawing ceased as the four vessels sailed smoothly back into the deep, untroubled waters of distant space. The anchors were retracted. Repair teams sealed up the jagged hull breaches. Twitch plotted a jump course for a designated spot on the edge of the Large Magellanic Cloud Galaxy. As Nick settled down with a handful of his crew members for a celebratory meal on the bridge, an audio-only message beeped for attention. When Janice patched it through, the voice that pierced the air brooked no resistance, as sharp as a knife‟s edge. “Venture, assemble a repair detail and report to my ship. Now.”

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Chapter Nine Raquel stood as still as a statue, lips set in a firm line. Her right hand gripped the butt of her holstered gun so hard the knuckles threatened to break through the skin. Over three hours had passed while she maintained watch in the Deathraven‟s starboard hold, and her calf muscles strained with a relentless ache. Regardless, it was a necessary hardship… proof yet again she possessed intimate knowledge of the word. Though members of her crew were present, they refrained from useless questions. If they hadn‟t, they might have asked what she was doing overseeing repairs. Participating was one thing. She did that often. But supervising? Never. If they noticed the exact direction of her gaze, or perhaps the slight fluttering of an eyelash, questions might also have been asked about why she couldn‟t seem to take her eyes off… that man. The one whose very name made the breath catch in her throat. Nick. But they didn‟t. Raquel was simply here conducting ship business. She demanded personal assurance that Nick delivered as promised. Yes. That was it. Once again, the Santa Maria‟s anchor had made a messy breach in the Deathraven‟s hull. The dark void of space gazed at her through the fracture like an unblinking eye. Nearby, the shield generator sealing the gap prevented them from being sucked into oblivion. Around her, the chamber screamed with sound, from the earsplitting howls of the repair tools to the shouts of the men and women assigned to the task. The easy, automated functions she 122

Once Upon a Time in Space had allocated to her own crew. As for the grunt work, the heavy labor, and the clean up, she left that to Nick and his people. Their orders were to restore her junk to its exact former glory—nothing more and absolutely nothing less. Five men had accompanied him, including one so enormous that he must have been born with giant‟s blood. They talked and laughed as they worked, a tight-knit little bunch indeed. Raquel frowned as she listened. Not that a pirate‟s crew didn‟t laugh or trade wisecracks, but it certainly didn‟t sound so… so damned merry. Nick and his men were under the thumb of a merciless space pirate. Instead of seething with resentment, they approached the task with something bordering on pride. What the hell was wrong with these people? The answer probably rested with their commander. Perhaps they were drawn to his easy smile, or to the carefree way his fingers brushed hair from his eyes. Without fail, he was ready with an encouraging word or a helpful hand. The tall, strapping figure before her summed it all—a golden sun in a dark, dreary world. Unexpectedly, something hidden thawed deep inside her, in a place cold and forgotten. Raquel was beginning to suspect that she saw him that way, too. Muscles rippled as Nick suddenly hooked a thumb into his white shirt and removed it in one fluid motion. He tucked one end of it into his pants and continued working. She sucked in a sharp breath at the sight. A broad, sculpted, and nearly hairless chest glistened with perspiration. It was all she could do to keep her thighs from pressing together as a long-dormant heat flared to life between them. Raquel knew that if she didn‟t stop this staring nonsense, negative consequences were inevitable. But she couldn‟t tear her gaze away, not for all the shiny plunder in the galaxy. Thankfully, 123

Ule approached with some ship‟s business requiring her attention. She conducted it where she stood. About an hour later, the repairs were completed. The show of pure, virile, captivating male now over. Raquel spun on a heel to leave, but not before noticing that Nick, again fully clothed, was gazing in her direction. Hurry! Leave before you invite even more trouble. Raquel called out to Ule as she headed for the exit. “Show them where they can clean up and give them something to eat,” she instructed. I‟ll not have them think we‟re savages. “When they‟re finished, escort them to their shuttle.” At the entrance to the hold, the hairs on the back of her neck prickled like wildfire. “Raquel?” She paused, stiffened. That voice. Much too warm and dreamy. What could he possibly want? Hadn‟t her cold-shoulder treatment been clear enough? He stood so close that she could hear him breathing, a series of soft, rich pants from his recent labor. “I‟d like to speak with you.” Oh, hell. She was aware of multiple pairs of eyes on her. Not only Nick‟s, but also those of her crew. Hesitation would only make her appear weak. She spoke over her shoulder. “State your business.” “I mean, privately.” Raquel swallowed. If you‟re indecisive any longer, it‟ll only feed speculation. “Follow me,” she said curtly. She strode off, but he accompanied her easily on those long legs of his. When they reached the captain‟s quarters, she buzzed the galley. “Chef, serve up two meals to my cabin, please.” “Anything in particular?” “Whatever‟s on the menu.” She cut the link and crossed to the table and two chairs set on one side of the cabin. Raquel sat in one 124

Once Upon a Time in Space and brusquely indicated the other for Nick. She crossed her legs and arms and shot him the chilliest one-eyed stare she could muster. “What do you want to talk about, Venture?” A rakish smile played on his lips. “Please, call me Nick.” In reply, she dropped her stare to sub-zero temperatures. Unfortunately, it meant she was looking straight at the relaxed way his limbs draped over the chair, irresistibly sexy and selfconfident. He sighed. “Anyway, I wanted to say I‟m sorry I had to use the anchor on the Deathraven. Frankly, it saved your life, and a little damage is a small price to pay.” Then his expression softened. “But I can tell how much it bothered you. If I can avoid it in the future, I will.” Raquel kept staring, mostly because she was at a complete and utter loss about what to make of this man. She had braced herself for a verbal lashing. Instead, he came bearing honeyed words. Whatever happened to the “attitude adjustment” he was going to inflict? Questioning hazel eyes probed her face. “Aren‟t you going to say something?” Then he flashed a smile. “I heard you order food enough for two. Raquel, are you inviting me to stay for dinner?” God, how infuriating! She knew that kiss had been a mistake. Knew it, and completely ignored the danger signals. The problem became acutely clear. Nick didn‟t seem to fear her anymore. This development was troublesome. No, unforgivable for a pirate with her kind of reputation. Gritting her teeth, she thought hard about how she was going to overcome this obstacle of a man. But she suddenly remembered two strange occurrences that had been perplexing her since their first encounter. Ignoring his flirtatious banter, she went right to the point. “Tell me how your ships jumped us out of nowhere after we trapped you in that mine 125

field. What kind of stealth strategies are you using?” Nick chuckled. “Well, I suppose you‟ve earned the right to know. It‟s not a strategy, exactly. See, the Collective equipped the ships with the ability to cloak.” He immediately shot up a hand. “Don‟t ask me the details. All I know is my crew enters a few commands and the ships become invisible to radar.” Raquel gasped. She‟d never heard of this technology before now. The idea of possessing such a capability for the Deathraven was beyond a dream. To think of how it could aid her quest… why, she‟d catch the bastard inside of a week if she could only…. There was a ring at the hatch. A petite, bald Japanese woman carried in a tray overflowing with victuals, along with a covered jug. Raquel brought out two mugs while the food-bearer placed the tray on the table. “Thanks, Yuki,” Raquel said. The woman nodded and left, shuffling out as quietly as she had entered. After peeling off her gloves, Raquel filled the mugs with ale. “I picked her up at Icarus Station during the civil war, after an Armenian cruiser attacked it. Some asshole raped her and cut out her tongue.” Raquel paused, puzzled that she had bothered telling him all that. “Eat,” she commanded. Nick tucked into the food with relish. With every third bite or so, he made a little grunt of satisfaction. “This is great. Wow, is that….” He gestured toward the entrée. “What do you call this?” “Stew. Re-constituted vegetables and soy products.” Raquel slid the platter over to him. He scooped another large portion onto his plate. “Thanks. Vegetables, huh? Wow. I‟m pretty damn hungry after that repair boot camp of yours.” Eyes twinkling, he pointed toward a section of her plants. “Did you grow the vegetables here?” “No.” She glanced away, reluctant to share the truth. Everything she owned had its roots in pillaging and plundering. Though an 126

Once Upon a Time in Space appetite had been building, Raquel could only pick at her food. He didn‟t fear her, but then, he was unaware of her awful past. If he knew, it would completely change the way he looked at her. The thought made her sad. Don‟t dwell on someone you can‟t have. Her mind returned to that cloaking technology. She had to possess it! “I‟ll send one of my engineers to the Santa Maria to study the cloaking device. Shouldn‟t take long. Maybe after you finish eating?” Nick‟s hand paused ever so slightly as he reached for the jug and poured a fresh round for them both. “Nah. I can‟t let you appropriate it just like that. Collective property and all.” Then he slammed his mug on the table, spilling half of it. A finger shot straight towards her, inches from her face. She fought the urge to recoil. “And if you even think about hijacking any of my ships again to get it, think again, lady.” His voice became hard, laced with steel. “I‟ll sock anchors into the Deathraven until it‟s a pile of confetti. Then I‟ll turn you into the Space Defense Corps faster than you can say „Jolly Roger‟!” Smiling dangerously, he raised his dripping mug in a toast. “We clear?” Raquel nodded. She shoveled food into her mouth to mask her frustration… and her growing attraction. His threat hardly scared her, but she didn‟t doubt he‟d follow through on it if she pushed him too far. He was serious about this mission of his. It was rather endearing, even though the whole attempt was probably doomed to failure. Still, Nick seemed to be a man of principle, and she had to admire that. A new thought surfaced: Maybe she didn‟t want him to fear her. Maybe she had tired of that game. They ate in awkward silence for a few minutes. Nick pushed his plate away shortly thereafter, completely sated judging by how much he had devoured. He poured himself a bit more ale and offered her the same. 127

Raquel acquiesced, meeting his intense stare as he poured. This time, words weren‟t necessary. His eyes spoke for him, as intimate as a lover‟s gaze. The meaning in them was obvious. A hunger lurked there, deep and voracious. Damned if she didn‟t feel heat rising to her cheeks. She peered down at her mug. “Nick, so I don‟t meet with any more surprises on this journey, are there other secrets you‟re hiding from me?” “No. Just the cloaking.” He cleared his throat. “You?” Raquel sipped her ale, deliberately avoiding the question. There wasn‟t enough time in the universe to spill all her terrible secrets. At that moment, something soft brushed her left arm. Her gaze shot to the side. Nick‟s finger had touched her wrist so quickly she didn‟t have time to snatch it back. He withdrew his hand upon noticing her startled response. “I was just… looking at your bracelet. It seems too small to remove. What kind is it?” Raquel followed his line of sight. He had remarked on the thin gray circlet around her wrist. It shone dully in the light and fit very snugly indeed. “You‟re right. It‟s permanent. Think of it as a tattoo.” She pulled her wrist as far back into her shipsuit sleeve as it would go. Something about Nick Venture was making her careless. She vowed to remain more guarded in the future. Only three men knew the secret of that bracelet. Smiley was one. Her first pirate lover, looting and pillaging god knows where, was another. The third man… well, once Raquel was finished with him, he wouldn‟t be able to talk about it even if it was his dying wish. Studying her companion‟s beautifully chiseled features, she could tell he wasn‟t yet satisfied. “It‟s… something I picked up during my travels.” She winced inwardly at the half-truth. “It has a great deal of sentimental value.” 128

Once Upon a Time in Space He nodded. “Raquel, can I ask you a personal question?” She paused for a moment before the reply. “You can ask, I suppose.” Confusion colored his features until the nuance of her statement sank in. He barged ahead anyway. “How did you lose your eye?” First you want to know my secrets, next it‟s the bracelet, and now my eye. You‟re insatiable! Not that the quality was entirely unwanted in such a charming man, but she had to stay disciplined. She shook her head. “Nick Venture, you ask too many questions.” He winked. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Raquel rolled her eye and started to load the empty plates onto the tray. “Aw, hell, where are my manners?” Nick grimaced. “I ate at your table without even washing my hands.” He thumbed behind him. “Actually, I need a proper washing. Can I use your sani thing?” She frowned, sensing trouble ahead. Yet she wanted him, of all people, to know she wasn‟t a savage. “Be quick about it.” Nick saluted jauntily. “Yes, Ma‟am!” He strode to the sani and opened the door. Before she could protest, off came the shirt again. Shivers cascaded throughout her body. Then he turned his head and flashed an impish grin. “You can watch if you want!” Raquel promptly swiveled her chair to face the console, posing as if she had immediate matters to attend to, which she didn‟t. Behind her, Nick chuckled. She gritted her teeth. Even if she had work, it was impossible to concentrate with the distinct sound of clothes rustling and then dropping to the deck. She tapped the screen at random, just to be doing something. It was best that he leave her ship as quickly as possible. After a few minutes elapsed, Raquel heard the door open. Once 129

again, the rustle of clothes met her ears. Finally. She stood and turned, ready to march him out the hatch. Except… he wasn‟t fully dressed. Nick was staring at his shirt and pants in his large, strong hands with mild distaste. Tan briefs covered his loins, and nothing else. Because he stood in profile, she simply could not avoid the sight of his bountiful cock. She wasn‟t sure it was entirely at rest, either. It strained for freedom against the taut fabric. Sweeping her gaze downward, she absorbed muscled thighs and calves that bore a light dusting of fine, golden hair. A sculptor would be enthralled to have such a subject as a model. Moisture welled in her mouth. Why did she suddenly feel like a schoolgirl? Nick wrinkled his nose. “Seems a waste to put them on without a wash,” he said. “You can… wash them in the sani,” she eked out. His expression brightened. “Oh yeah?” He turned and stuck his head back inside, revealing tight, shapely buttocks. “Uh, I think you‟ll need to show me. This is a different setup than mine.” Was he really such a landlubber, or was he playing the fool? Impossible to tell. Raquel tore the clothes from his grasp in a fit of annoyance. Shouldering her way past, she demonstrated how to attach them to the built-in hooks for maximum exposure to the spray. After closing the door, she tapped keys on a nearby console set in the wall. “There. It‟ll be a few seconds.” They stood shoulder to shoulder, nearly touching. Never had such a small span of time stretched so interminably. Raquel deliberately kept her gaze averted. Fingers jerked at the ready to end this silliness. Other senses, however, she couldn‟t control so easily. Despite the lingering chemical scent, every inhalation told her how good he smelled. This is wrong. You shouldn‟t be here alone with him. Think of your own mission. Escape while you still 130

Once Upon a Time in Space can. When a chime indicated the clothes were clean, Raquel yanked them out. She thrust the loose bundle toward him, keeping her eye anywhere but on Nick Venture. Unfortunately, he didn‟t immediately respond. What was he waiting for? Fisting the bundle hard, she shoved it into his chest. “Take them!” Finally, he moved, but not in the way she expected. Nick gripped her hand in both of his, pulling it tightly against his skin. It wasn‟t so tight that she couldn‟t pull away. But she didn‟t. At first, both of them stood very still. Poised in dizzy anticipation, they were like two partners who wanted to dance, but didn‟t know the steps. At least, that was how she felt. Then Raquel detected more movement. Bit by bit, little by little, Nick was easing his clothes from her hand. What are you doing? Let go! But for some reason, she voiced none of her trepidation. As each piece left her hand, she heard his breath deepen. In response, her heart began beating so hard it nearly hurt. When the clothes were free of her grasp, he dropped them. The act propelled her in a direction from which she feared there would be no turning back. Raquel knew what his naked chest looked like. Now she wanted to know what it felt like. It would be a sweet memory to haunt her dreams at night, because once she delivered him to the planet, she would never see him again. That was her justification, at any rate, for the impulsive action that followed. Ever so gradually, and with slow, deliberate movement, she uncurled her fingers. Fanned them wide. Pressed her whole hand against his skin. His flesh felt warm and firm. Exceedingly firm. Her breasts lifted, pointed, aching with the need to be crushed against that broad expanse. Eyes averted, she studied it with her hand as though blind. First, a light touch across the collarbone, pausing 131

briefly to dip a finger into the hollow of his throat. He stood very still, receptive to her probing. With a long, languid stroke, she slid her hand across one flawless pectoral, giving it a light squeeze now and then. Perfection! Barely able to breathe, she stretched her thumb and forefinger to encircle his right nipple. Just the right size for a woman‟s mouth. She moved it this way and that, fondling it gently and rubbing the bumpy, sensitive surface with the pad of her thumb. With each soft caress it rose, becoming even more swollen and concentrated. As it peaked to the most engorged state possible, Raquel pinched it. Hard. Nick jumped a little, and she almost smiled. Her hand continued its trek to the other side, to the other nipple. Upon that one she bestowed a light, feathery flick, and he groaned. She had to know his thoughts. Lust made her sound husky. “Did I scare you?” “Maybe a little,” he said, though his voice was thick with arousal rather than fright. Nothing else existed save for this moment of hot, enthralling tension. Nick arched his back ever so slightly, a daring invitation to continue her exploration. She lifted her gaze to his half-sealed eyes. Somehow, they appeared richer in color. Soaked with desire. She dipped her hand even lower, delighting in the lovely swath of flaxen hair that grew up his belly from regions dark and mysterious. The sensation made her want to clench him tightly between her thighs and never let go. She grasped the waistband of his briefs and froze. It was nearly too much. Desire and alarm battled for supremacy within her mind. He would hate me if he knew the truth. I shouldn‟t let this continue. Can‟t let it—oh, god! Nick was threading all ten of his fingers into her hair. The touch was so gentle and kind that her skin tingled with delicious waves 132

Once Upon a Time in Space of pleasure. Lips warmed and parted as she gazed at him. Cradling her head, he tilted her face to meet his. Raquel was tall, but Nick was taller still. Then he kissed her. The shape of his mouth was just right. He began the kiss with light, teasing nibbles, first on her upper lip, and then continued the same exquisite dance on the lower one. With each dip of his head, his mouth widened hers more and more, tasting her, feasting, consuming. Swiftly allowing him entrance, Raquel realized he tasted as good as before. Pressing against him, she felt a vibrant stirring beneath the hand that still clasped the waistband. Her ascot fluttered to the deck. With a powerful shove, Nick pushed her against the bulkhead. He pinned one of her arms. A moan escaped her, for not only his body, but also his obvious excitement now pelted her with its supreme length. As his erection ground against her abdomen, she felt his other hand reach to her neck and undo the clasp of her shipsuit. Hot and heavy, his hand nearly melted her skin with each touch. With an urgency bordering on savagery, he wrenched open the shipsuit. Now the top of her chest was exposed to him, ample fruit ripe for the plucking. With nothing separating her breasts from her clothing, his hand around her wrist tightened. Then he lowered his head for a taste. Bewitched with pleasure, she gasped for air. Nick‟s lips pressed against the inner curve of her left breast—a warm, sweet nuzzling. She felt his body shifting as he tried to maneuver between her legs. The telltale rush of blood heralded an orgasm. It felt good. Too good, clamored the warnings in her head. Ecstasy she didn‟t deserve was clouding her judgment. With a practiced 133

motion born from years living in a world where letting one‟s guard down meant certain death, she drew her gun and thrust it between their bodies. The cold, sharp barrel pressed against his groin. It had to be painful, but Nick simply lifted his head and regarded her with a crestfallen expression. He backed up with hands raised and then pointed at his clothes. Raquel nodded, permission for him to dress. She nearly suffocated from the awkward silence that followed. Nick dressed quickly. He stared at her all the while, his frustration dissolving into an expression both sad and remote. Raquel kept her gun trained on him, assuming her customary mask of ice. At the hatch, he paused. His gaze shot pointedly to the gun, and then to her face. “Raquel,” he said, his voice low. “All you had to do was say no.” Then he was gone.

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Chapter Ten Raquel made Nick want to do dangerous things. Gideon had just taxied the Santa Maria‟s shuttle toward the opening of the Deathraven‟s docking bay. Engine roaring, it shot out into space. Seated in the rear, Nick‟s stomach threatened to regurgitate the contents of his recent meal, but the sensation barely registered. His heart churned with angst and confusion. Dangerous things. It was the only reason Nick could figure to explain why he‟d acted in such a heedless, cavalier manner around a bloodthirsty space pirate. As they headed to the Niña to deliver Sammy and his two men, the gentle Samoan nudged his arm. “How did your meeting with the Siren go? Did she give you any trouble?” Nick almost barked out a laugh at the understatement. That woman is nothing but trouble, he wanted to confess. Instead, he shook his head. “I told her about the cloaking technology. Made sense for her to know.” He addressed the whole group. “She took a strong interest in it, so spread the word and be on the alert.” Heads bobbed in assent. Conversation was sparse during the trip. Each man either slumped in his seat, or was nodding off, or both. Nick thought they all looked as bone-tired as he felt. Their trials, however, weren‟t over. Repairs were still needed aboard the Pinta and the Santa Maria. The Niña had sustained moderate damage from the storm, and as soon as they reached it, Sammy would lend a massive hand to the task. About thirty minutes later, the remaining crew stumbled aboard the Santa Maria. Nick wanted to hibernate in his cabin. Or 135

should he go to the bridge? He sighed heavily. Better check in first. Thankfully, it was a brief visit. The alternate shift was on duty, and Dolores—one of the other navigators—assured him that everything was running smoothly. Repairs were underway, and once the systems check cleared, the navigator on duty would inform him when the time arrived for the next scheduled jump. Nick retreated to the solitude of his cabin. He shut off the lights and collapsed onto his bunk fully dressed. For the next several hours, he simply lay there. Eyes glazed over as he stared through the modest view port. Silvery and silent, only a few distant stars in their nest of black velvet kept him company. Sleep, that ornery bastard, eluded him. But how could he settle for dreams when every centimeter of skin still itched for Raquel‟s mesmerizing touch? Over and over, he replayed their recent intimacy. The woman had such pale, cool fingers. Her mouth, though, had been anything but cool. He had never been kissed by a woman with such hunger. Or with such hair: Lustrous, thick, black as sin. Right now, he imagined how those silken tresses would feel draped across his thighs as she pleasured him with her full lips and hot, moist tongue. His palms tingled in anticipation of how heavy and soft her breasts would feel in his hands as he cupped them. Blood rushed to his cock and it began to rise, as if seeking her warmth. Ah, shit…. Best to avoid the torturous thoughts. Though when he pushed them aside, all he could think about was her violent rejection. He had felt concerned rather than threatened by her desperate act. What deep torment had prompted her to pull the gun on him? The weapon promised death, but her dark eye, the furrowed brow, the parted lips all screamed fear and uncertainty. He knew in his gut she wasn‟t afraid of him. But what did she fear? 136

Once Upon a Time in Space He wondered if the target of her anger and distress was male. Maybe a man in her past had damaged her in some way. He also thought it strange that she refused to tell him the story behind the eye patch. What was she after, anyway? She wasn‟t an ordinary pirate, that was certain. Suspicion curled his hands into fists. If her secret agenda threatened to interfere with his mission, he was going to have to make it his business. Nick Venture had real responsibilities now, ones so significant that everything else paled in comparison. Guilt flooded him as the memories of his former colleagues at Omnigroup tumbled through his mind. He hoped they hadn‟t ended up in the street. Maybe by succeeding in this mission, he‟d earn a chance at some sort of cosmic restitution. He shut his eyes, hopeful at the idea. That is, so long as a certain mysterious pirate didn‟t knock him completely off course. **** The next thing Nick knew, the radio chirped, waking him. A few sore muscles protested when he stood, but otherwise he felt rested. Glancing at the clock, he saw that about seven hours had passed. Nick rubbed his eyes and then thumbed open the link. “Yeah?‟ “We‟re ready to jump,” Gideon reported. “Be right there.” Nick cleaned up and changed into a fresh set of clothes. After a quick meal of water and mushy rations, he reported to the bridge and watched attentively from his command chair as the crew prepared for the jump. As the countdown began, he snapped on his harness and closed his eyes. The jump took nearly an hour. Once the ships arrived at the next set of coordinates, Gideon provided Nick with a detailed mission status. 137

“Right now, we‟re heading through the Large Magellanic Cloud Galaxy. We‟re about two thirds of the way to Eden.” Chuckling, he pointed to the screen on Nick‟s console. “This line here represents a nearby asteroid belt. Seeing as this neighborhood is basically uncharted territory, I took the liberty of naming it „Gideon‟s Belt.‟” He pointedly rubbed his chunky belly and chuckled again. Despite Nick‟s pirate woes, the joke coaxed a smile from him. “Okay. So what‟s next?” “We‟re following this projected course right now, corrected for Gideon‟s Belt. Our long-range scanners brought back some nice shots. Take a look!” Nick nodded, grateful that Gideon remembered to translate the information into a layperson‟s language. On the main screen, a vast sea of rotating asteroids appeared to stretch out into infinity. They came in every size and shape imaginable. Some spun like tops while others appeared motionless. And yet, despite their inherent discrepancies, they all appeared to flow as one gigantic amorphous entity following an unseen cosmic conductor, each one performing its part in a galactic ballet. It was breathtaking in its raw power. Nick clapped the engineer on the back. “Solid work, sir.” A short time later, Twitch reported for duty. He and Gideon exchanged updates, which pretty much amounted to all systems normal. Nick was listening intently, trying to learn something to make himself useful in the future, when a hand descended upon his shoulder. Janice stood there, smiling. “Coffee?” She proffered him a covered mug. A small cart stood by her, bearing snacks and yet more mugs of the synthetic brew. “Thanks,” he murmured, reaching out to accept it. She passed mugs all around and lastly helped herself before 138

Once Upon a Time in Space storing the cart away. Leaning against the wheel, mug in hand, Twitch looked at Nick, nearly every feature aflutter. “That Janice, she‟s all right.” Nick couldn‟t help but notice Twitch‟s gaze follow Janice‟s slim figure as she took up her station. When she flashed them both a smile, he noticed her skin had flamed a light pink at the navigator‟s remark. The journey resumed, sails raised to harness power for the engine. Nick had been informed earlier that jumps had to be spaced apart. Otherwise, the risk of damage, accidents, or psychotic episodes increased precipitously. For now, at least, the journey was passing uneventfully. Toward the end of the shift, Gideon announced that they were about to reach the far side of the asteroid belt. He actually referred to it as “Gideon‟s Belt” again, but a bevy of moans from the others drowned him out. “Hey, Nick. Guys. We‟re receiving an S.O.S.!” Nick went to Janice‟s station. “What‟s it say?” “Nothing specific. Just the standard signal. I‟m trying to pinpoint its origin.” A few minutes elapsed as the data streamed in. “Got it.” Janice pointed to a spot on her screen. “It‟s coming from that small asteroid.” “An asteroid?” Gideon asked, absently scratching his head. He studied his own screen for a moment. “Strange. Let‟s hit it with the probe.” Gideon initiated the command. As the probe went to work, Nick leaned against the edge of Janice‟s station while she fed the data to the main screen. In a few minutes, the rough outline of an odd structure appeared. However, the image was incomplete because much of the structure was embedded in asteroid rock. “Wow,” Janice said once the probe had finished. “There‟s 139

definitely something in there. The energy readings are pretty low.” She glanced over her shoulder at her companions. “A defunct base, maybe?” Peering hard at the screen, Twitch shook his head. “Nah. The shape ain‟t right.” Janice pursed her lips. “Got a better idea, you ninny?” The navigator abruptly dropped his gaze to the wheel, followed by a barely audible “Uh, no.” She sighed. “Gideon?” The engineer rubbed his chin. “Twitch‟s ingenious deduction notwithstanding, it could be a military outpost.” Twitch snorted. Undaunted, Gideon continued. “Or maybe an illegal outfit, here to mine the belt.” Shrugging, he turned back to his screen. False alarm, probably. Might as well prepare for the next jump.” “Hang on,” Nick said. “We should check it out.” “You sure about that?” Gideon asked. “Could be a trap,” Twitch added. “On the other hand, if someone really is stranded way out here, it would be on our conscience if we didn‟t help out—and they died.” His thought-provoking remark hung in the air as Nick returned to his seat. “Let‟s see what the others think. Patch Sammy and Lillian through. And Raquel.” “Coming right up,” Janice said. Moments later, the visages of all three captains graced the main view screen, split into thirds. Nick relayed his intent, all the while studying Raquel‟s face. No trace of their earlier encounter registered. He strove to maintain a professional expression, but when the corners of her luscious mouth dipped into a frown, he felt a stir. Shit, keep it together. 140

Once Upon a Time in Space When he finished, Raquel shook her head. “I wouldn‟t advise that.” “Why not?” Her features bled condescension. “Because it‟s gun frontier territory, that‟s why.” “What does that mean?” “It‟s a saying. When your junk flies into uncharted space, you‟re dealing with the unknown. Every woman for herself. Better have your gun cocked, because anything could happen.” Nick stared, rapturously intrigued. He was probably reading into her words, but he couldn‟t have come up with a better way to capture his own encounters with Raquel. Not only that, her choice of words and the sound of her voice was making him hard. He reluctantly drew his eyes away from her and glanced at the Niña‟s captain. “Sammy?” The big man looked solemn. “Nick, this mission is the most important thing any of us has ever attempted.” He paused. “But I can tell you this. If that were me stranded without food or water in a remote area like this, I‟d at least want someone to share supplies.” Nick eyed his other captain. “Lillian?” “Well, Nick, I tell you what. I don‟t have the best feeling about this, but if you decide to go, I‟ll back you a hundred percent. Besides”—her expression turned deliberately mischievous—“I‟d hate to be stuck out in this godforsaken no man‟s land without a man to warm my buns, knowwhatImean?” She chortled, and laughter from her crew echoed through the link. Nick grinned. A straight face was a lesson in futility around Lillian St. Carmichael. “Well, it‟s decided, then. We investigate the S.O.S.” Raquel growled something dangerously close to an expletive 141

and cut her transmission. Sorry, sweetheart, you‟ll just have to deal with it. Maybe Nick was acting too impulsively, but he wasn‟t a pirate. And he had no intention of leaving any poor soul stranded if he could help it. He certainly couldn‟t look anyone else in the eye and justify avoiding this S.O.S. Maybe someone like Raquel could, but for him, it wasn‟t an option. Reflecting on their differences, he wondered how much they‟d have to overcome to accept each other unconditionally. Or if they could do it at all. **** During the final approach, the S.O.S. signal continued to pulse, but no human followed up with any kind of contact. The irregularly shaped rock dwarfed all three of Nick‟s ships put together. The Santa Maria made several passes around it before discovering an entrance, and only then by accident. Twitch happened to fly in closer proximity to one side when they noticed an unusual overhang of rock. Further investigation revealed an obscured docking bay. Whether it had just opened, or had been that way the entire time, no one knew. Nick gave the order to proceed. “Oh, no. Nick!” “What is it?” Janice looked sheepish as she delivered the news. “The Deathraven just took off.” Nick bit back a snarl. “Took off where?” “Into the asteroid belt. I was monitoring the S.O.S. signal and didn‟t see it coming. They‟re out of communication range now. I… sorry.” Twitch punched his console. “Assholes!” It was a grim development. Nick gripped his armrests while the muscles in his face turned to stone. Raquel was supposed to escort 142

Once Upon a Time in Space them, protect them every step of the journey. Obviously, he had seriously misjudged her caliber. So, the second you find yourself in „gun frontier‟ territory, you turn tail and run. That‟s how a real pirate deals with a little danger, eh? Not only that, but he had misjudged her feelings. Thinking she had any, that is. He thought he had been close to cracking that shell of hers. He thought maybe the attraction they both obviously felt could have gone deeper and transformed into a relationship worth nurturing. He‟d been sincere about sharing a place together on the new world. Had she even been listening? A full minute passed in which he was unable to breathe. For a crazy moment, Nick thought his lungs had suddenly disintegrated, along with his heart. Would he ever see her again? The answer was clear. Not in a million light years. His head swam, the pain tearing at his gut like a sharp-toothed drill. The vixen had seduced him with her irresistible beauty, and now he would never be the same. Clearer reason prevailed, however, a welling of fortitude from an underutilized part of his being. For the sake of the mission, he had to hold it together. Trying to process her sudden departure would change nothing. With a heavy sigh, he prompted his navigator to proceed, the Deathraven and her captain be damned. We don‟t really need you anyway. The ships maneuvered into position and entered the bay. Weak blue runway lights guided them forward. Still, no one made contact. When the ships docked, the bay door closed ominously behind them. Twitch volunteered to lead a recce team to the airlocks. Gideon went with him. Within the half hour, they reported that the oxygen level was serviceable. Nick and Sammy then led six of their strongest crew members through the nearest airlock. Once inside the main structure, the industrial- strength 143

portable lights they wielded barely cut through the pitch black of the long corridor stretching out before them. Nick wrinkled his nose as he led the team forward. The air stank like century-old garbage in this godforsaken no-man‟s land, as Lillian had so aptly described it. Light beams picked out frayed, exposed conduits, punctured metal walls, and all sorts of unidentifiable refuse. Who could live like this? Did anyone live like this? Nick wondered if they had arrived too late. Reaching a juncture of three corridors, they noticed that the double doors on the left were only partially shut. Sammy flashed his light through the narrow opening, but couldn‟t detect anything unusual. Handing his unit to Nick, he started to pry the doors apart. The Samoan was strong, but not that strong. Sweat poured down his face in sheets, but he only managed to move the doors a few centimeters. Others jumped in to assist. Within a few minutes, their efforts led to an opening wide enough for them all to pass through. Training the beams ahead, they resumed walking. This time, they called out in greeting as they went. Click. Nick stopped. “You hear that?” “Yeah,” Sammy responded. “Could just be a problem with environmental, or some other system. Who kno—” Click. Click. Light flooded the area, bathing them in a sickly greenish cast. Nick guessed they were in a cargo hold. Around them, bulky objects and boxes were stacked haphazardly, some piled as high as the ceiling. In addition to that, a dismaying number of hard, cold eyes stared back at them. They all belonged to men with ghoulish faces and extravagant weapons from a pacifist‟s worst nightmare. Nick and his people were surrounded. 144

Once Upon a Time in Space More weapons cocked, aimed with glee at their heads and hearts. Then, a set of booted, heavy footsteps approached from the inky shadows further ahead. A man‟s form took shape, hulky and fraught with peril. As he advanced, light reflected from what could only be the largest gun Nick had ever seen. He marked the stranger‟s swaggering gait with growing irritation. Then the light hit his face, and Nick had his first clear look. The dark stranger was a tall man with a hefty girth—one packed with muscles. Muscles within muscles, it seemed, as he hoisted a triple-barreled plasma gun with a lot of mean-looking accessories. Black hair hung in casual disarray about his face. Pale skin was offset by coarse beard growth. Under that lay a strong, powerful chin. Ripped, haggard clothing exposed the occasional patch of skin so taut one could bounce a rock off it. Dark eyes glinted menacingly at Nick and his crew, and when he spoke, his voice sounded like it could crush nails. “I want the codes to your ships‟ systems and I want them now.” He aimed the gun at Nick and thumbed the trigger. Nick swallowed. Codes? What codes? Once again, his incompetence had led them into another dangerous mess. He should have thought to arm himself and his crew. He should have thought any number of things before stumbling headlong into a trap. No wonder Raquel had been so opposed to this idea. What a sickening misplacement of everyone‟s trust. Nevertheless, he was responsible for rectifying the situation. Nick steeled his gaze. “We‟re responding to your S.O.S. Let‟s negotiate a deal. If you need supplies, we have some to spare.” The stranger reacted with a short, derisive bark. “Here‟s the deal. We‟re going to appropriate all of your supplies, and your ships. Capisca, il mio amico?” Nick didn‟t understand that last part, but it sounded Italian. He 145

crossed his arms. “Hear me out. We‟re on a very important mission—” The man growled. “You must be some kind of idiot. Maybe your crew has more sense.” He raised his weapon. “I‟m done with you.” Then he fired. All of time came to a screeching halt, as though the cosmic hourglass had been smashed to bits. Everything in him went numb, except for two thoughts that immediately arose. One was an image of Raquel being snatched away from him by invisible hands. The second regarded the pain of the plasma fire as he imagined it slicing through his flesh and bone. How long would it last? “Richards, you fucking cocksucker, you told me you charged this thing!” Nick inhaled the most grateful breath of his entire life. Then he barreled forward in that sliver of a moment when the stranger‟s attention wavered as he tinkered with the gun. Nick tore it from his grasp, belatedly realizing that the barrels now pointed straight at his midsection. For a harrowing moment, he exchanged grimaces with the gun wielder just before the weapon crashed to the floor. Without waiting for reinforcements, he punched the man‟s abdomen. Crap. Solid muscle. He poured his weight into an uppercut. Made contact. Was it enough? The stranger reeled. Recovered instantly. Launched himself at Nick‟s torso. The breath ripped from his throat, Nick could only grab the man and hold on for dear life. Shouts erupted around them. The momentum thrust him downward, and he landed with a sharp smack against the steel-plated floor. Pain racked his spine. But he‟d managed to wrestle his beefy opponent down with him. Anger made him snarl. Here he was, responding to what he 146

Once Upon a Time in Space believed was an innocent S.O.S., carving valuable time from the mission, and this asshole was attempting to ambush the ships. The thought spurred frenzied action, and after maneuvering himself astride the stranger‟s chest, Nick closed both hands around his throat. It was hard trying to squeeze a neck as thick as a cutterhead. The man started to gouge Nick‟s right eye, even as he began wheezing. Nick increased the pressure. He had to overpower this attacker before one of his comrades shot him full of holes. Abruptly, his Herculean opponent suddenly shifted his gaze to stare over Nick‟s shoulder. Then his eyes widened. Yeah, you should fear me, you son of a bitch! Nick raised an arm for another strike. “Well, if it isn‟t the Phantom Stallion,” a voice rang out. Just as Nick poured himself into the attack, the man croaked out a response. “Raquel?” At the same instant, Nick‟s blow crashed into his chin. Blood spurted from his mouth. His head thumped against the floor as he bellowed in pain. During the brief respite, Nick gulped in one breath, then another. Anticipation seized him. Made his stomach flutter. Could it be? But the body beneath him still struggled. It would be a bad, very bad idea to look away. Take this guy out first. It‟s probably not who you think. Despite the warning thought, he couldn‟t resist glancing over his shoulder. There she stood, his pirate beauty, gun aimed and cocked. Her hair fanned around her head and shoulders, a breathtaking halo for a dark angel. Her long legs were braced apart, and Nick had half a mind to rush over, strip off her shipsuit, and fill the gap. He didn‟t care if they had an audience. But now wasn‟t the time. A number of her crew flanked her, heavily armed. The thin brow above her good eye lifted gracefully. 147

“Antonio,” she said by way of greeting. You know him? Ah, shit! Nick had let his attention wander too long. “Antonio” retaliated with a punch of his own. Pain exploded in his head. The room whirled. He hit the floor. His arms lifted defensively, but it seemed pointless. He didn‟t see a clear winner emerging. In the end, Raquel decided the outcome for both of them. “Back off, Antonio, and tell your men to stand down. This man is under my protection.” Blood dribbled from his lips as he reached down to grip the front of Nick‟s shirt in a bulging fist. His glare never left Nick‟s face. “That a fact?” She planted the barrel of her gun against his forehead. “Here‟s a fact maybe you‟ll understand better. I‟ve got a particle cannon trained on this bucket of bolts, and the men of yours you don‟t see are shackled and bound where no one can hear them scream.” Her riveting voice grew deceptively soft. “Listen to what he has to say.” She ground her gun against his skin so hard it drew blood. “You might learn something, mio amico.” Breathing heavily, Antonio stared at her, and she at him. Perched unbearably close to the exchange, Nick grew uneasy. Clearly, these two knew each other well. Far too well. His stomach tightened, suspecting the worst. Eventually, the fist against his chest loosened and drew away. Trying not to wobble, he stood. Antonio stepped back, using part of his stained white shirt to wipe sweat and blood from his face. His gaze turned distant as he considered his options. A brief expression of defeat passed across his face, quickly replaced by a scowl. “Fine. Let‟s move this party to the mess.” He muttered with angry resignation as her men surrounded his crew and marched them deeper into the base. “Goddamn it, Raquel.” 148

Once Upon a Time in Space **** The mess, as if one could call it anything but that, was a long metallic room with a low ceiling. A few rectangular tables, welded to the floor, dominated the middle. Empty ration containers lay everywhere, crunching underfoot. Bleak lighting necessitated augmentation by the portable units carried by Nick‟s men. Impenetrable shadows lurked in the far corners, squirming pockets of imps with gaping maws ready to swipe at the nearest unguarded limb. The entire room was rife with tension. Nick, loosely surrounded by twelve of his crew, felt entirely out of place among the bizarre mix of people. Pirates. Ex-Corps. Smugglers. Outlaws. Heavily armed, all of them worked for either Antonio or Raquel. Their clothes were a haywire mix of colors and styles. Body armor. Fierce tattoos. Motley bandanas. Piercings. Massive scarring that bordered on deformity. His head spun. Nick sat at one of the tables while Eddie patched him up. Assorted medical supplies lay strewn across the table‟s surface, delivered by Lillian and a contingent of her crew a few minutes earlier. The grand dame herself attended to Antonio‟s injuries. Nick wondered if he was the only one to have noticed her eyes widen like a supernova upon encountering the brawny Italian pirate. For the sake of them all, he was grateful she kept a tight rein on her libido. Some of his people were doling out food to Antonio and his crew. Bits and pieces of their predicament had already surfaced, indicating they‟d been without food for over a week. Additionally, subsisting on poorly recycled water had made many of them violently ill. Raquel‟s band escorted the survivors to the Deathraven to use a sani and attend to any other personal needs. Antonio and his group numbered fifty-nine, not counting the 149

three, he had explained gruffly, that he had killed when they tried to mutiny. He stated it matter-of-factly, as if anyone would consider it a fact of life in space. A long stretch of silence occurred. Those who needed sustenance ate, while others stood guard or hung about near the walls exchanging contemptuous, barbed looks. What a merry bunch, Nick thought. When Eddie finished mending his injuries, he struggled to come up with an appropriate command— something influential to maintain the peace, and, if he was lucky, forward the mission. Unfortunately, all he could think about was Raquel, and how he had misjudged her. In retrospect, he understood how strategically sound it had been for the Deathraven‟s crew to enter the base undetected. He wanted to convey his gratitude, although it couldn‟t have been too much to ask to keep him informed of her plan. Or was that just the pirate way? So while Nick collected his thoughts, Antonio broke the silence. He waved Lillian away, and she reluctantly removed her hands from his shoulders. “So… you probably want to know how we ended up here.” Intense brown eyes deliberately probed Raquel‟s face as he spoke. From the possessive look, Nick had the distinct impression he‟d prefer the two of them were alone. Not if I have anything to say about it. Raquel stood near the table, weapon at the ready. She shrugged noncommittally. In between bites of food, Antonio began to speak. “We were hot on the tail of Yun Wei Tsing. You know the guy. Used to chum around with Jack of All Blades. Anyway, that bastard refused to pay up. He owed me protection loot. Just as I was about to nail his ass, a cruiser picked up our chase. Actually, it was more like we 150

Once Upon a Time in Space ran smack into the 105th Fleet.” He shoved a large spoonful of mashed granules into his mouth. “Had ourselves a little scuffle. We gave as good as we got, but then again, we got a lot. Incurred heavy damage. The fleet forced us so damn close to the Belly that we had no choice but to go through or die a glorious rebel death.” Antonio grunted. “Since I wasn‟t exactly in the mood to expire that day, we plunged ahead. After we‟d drifted for weeks, the storm finally spit us out. I ordered a jump back to civilization.” He threw up his hands. “Civilization, people. That was a joke.” A few of his crew members managed weak chuckles. Antonio rolled his eyes and continued. “Anyway, one of my navigators entered the wrong coordinates, so we ended up here.” He paused to guzzle roughly twelve ounces of water and wiped his mouth using the back of his hand. “That‟s when the engine blew. Only we didn‟t have enough parts to repair it.” His eyes narrowed and went dark. “Fucking nightmare.” Growing abruptly quiet, he finished his meal and pushed the container away. “Then, right when I was hoping the dire circumstances would get exponentially worse, a goddamn battle cruiser sails right by us. Couldn‟t believe my fuckin‟ eyes.” He slowly shook his head at the memory. “Mighty strange coincidence, if you ask me. Luckily, we had already dropped far enough into the belt to avoid detection, but it was a damn close call.” “Too close for me too, boss,” said a voice from the back. “Shut up, Richards.” Antonio looked at Raquel again “Thought you were going to ask the name of the cruiser.” Raquel appeared bored. She spoke in a mechanical tone, as if attempting to dissuade a pestering child. “Which cruiser?” “The Fitzcarraldo.” Nick had been watching the exchange closely, but now he froze 151

with vigilance, not daring to miss even the fluttering of an eyelash. Antonio‟s revelation hinted at some deeper meaning or knowledge. Nick leaned forward. He had to know more. Raquel stiffened, a hard glint sharpening the black of her eye. “Where was it headed?” she demanded in a voice tight with urgency. Antonio shook his head. “Don‟t know. We were too busy digging our heads out of our asses. Besides, that was like, two months ago.” Nick had every intention of questioning Antonio about the location of his ship. He still didn‟t understand its exact fate. Had the pirate crew dismantled it to create this base, or was it stashed somewhere else in the belt? However, any situation relating to Raquel took priority. He palmed the table with an audible thud. “What‟s the significance of the Fitzcarraldo?” Antonio shot him a brief glance before gazing pointedly at Raquel. Nick sighed inwardly. There would be no recourse there. She wore an angry, distant expression. Twitch cleared his throat. “It‟s the flagship of the 98 th Fleet. Admiral Huston commands it.” “I don‟t follow military politics. Who‟s Admiral Huston?” “One of the most decorated officers of the Corps. He‟s best known for the border wars of ‟78 and the campaign that wiped out the Proyas Station insurgents.” Twitch wet his lips. “I‟m just the messenger here, but he kinda prides himself on his track record for stampin„ out pirates, too.” Nick nodded thanks, but even a brick could tell that was only half the story. “So that‟s my tale,” Antonio said. He stabbed a finger at the female pirate across from him. “I know Raquel and her pack.” The beefy finger then swung around to Nick. “Who the hell are you 152

Once Upon a Time in Space people?” Despite the tactless inquiry, Nick launched into an explanation about the mission. After all, by the time Antonio and his crew escaped the asteroid, if they ever did, Nick‟s fleet would already be at Eden. He didn‟t realize it at first, but with each disclosure, the mess hall had grown increasingly quiet. Antonio‟s men stopped talking, stopped eating—it even seemed they stopped breathing. When Nick finished, Antonio glanced at Raquel. “You believe this guy?” His searching eyes revealed a deeper suspicion about her partnership with the explorers, and especially with Nick. What‟s the matter, Stallion? Can‟t handle a little competition? Raquel met Antonio‟s stare, as calm and serene as an undisturbed pond. “It doesn‟t matter whether I believe him or not. I gave him my word. I‟m just here to do a job.” Nick couldn‟t help a troubled glance her way. Is it only about business with you? Am I nothing but a job? Antonio rubbed his face. “Well, you do whatever the fuck you want. Damn. I need to use the sani.” He stood, angling his body toward Raquel and ignoring Nick as if he were a ghost. “The Deathraven just like I left it?” Nick bristled. “You can use one in the Santa Maria,” he said, standing to his full height. In his peripheral vision, he swore he detected a flicker of amusement pass across Raquel‟s face. She brandished her weapon toward Antonio. “You heard the captain.” “Fine. But I want to talk to you, Raquel. Alone. Meet me back here in an hour.” Furious, Nick thought about throwing another few punches at the arrogant bastard. What gave him the right? He didn‟t own her! Unfortunately, these two had a history. There was nothing he could do about it, and he certainly couldn‟t prevent them from 153

talking. Curiosity raged as he watched Antonio walk away. No, make that paranoia. What did he want with her? Nick had a difficult time believing they were just going to shoot the shit about old times. Maybe he ought to be concerned about a pirate alliance. Heaven forbid Raquel had been leading them into such a trap all along. Nick couldn‟t bear to think she was capable of such malice. He took Twitch aside to share his suspicion and map out a contingency plan. If they were going to reach Eden in one piece, they had better be prepared for anything.

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Chapter Eleven Close to an hour later, Twitch peered around the corner to make sure no one was eavesdropping. Then he turned to Nick and laid out his master plan. It was neither complicated nor subtle. “We‟ll follow ‟em.” He and Nick were in an empty corridor a few doors down from the mess. Nick leaned against the wall while shooting his navigator a look of disbelief. “But what if they see us?” The man shrugged, his left cheek jerking up and down as if yanked by an invisible monkey. “So what? We can go where we want to. It‟s a free fuckin‟ galaxy.” Nick dragged his right hand through his hair. “I don‟t know….” “Look, we can‟t let a guy like Antonio think he has the upper hand. I worked with his type in the Corps. Trust me, you gotta take charge. Besides”— he paused to give his cheek a slap to calm it— “Raquel is here to help us, ain‟t she?” Nick nodded. “Yeah, so while she‟s our escort, her business is our business.” Nick stepped away from the wall, rubbing his sore abdomen. “I suppose it would be in the name of keeping her from compromising the mission.” “Damn straight.” So it was decided. Nick and Twitch waited for Antonio to exit the Santa Maria. When he hooked up with Raquel and started guiding her deeper into the base, Nick and his second followed. Antonio shot them repeated glares. Nick ignored them during the slow chase through countless rooms and corridors. Even 155

though all except Raquel carried portable lights, the deeper they went, the darker it became. The air grew stagnant and cold. Some of the rooms were empty; others housed equipment and whatever else pirates hoarded. After several failed attempts at dodging Nick and his companion, Antonio corralled Raquel in one shadowy nook of a spacious chamber whose function Nick couldn‟t even guess at. He and Twitch commandeered a spot by the entrance, positioning their lights in order to expose as much of the interaction as possible. The exchange of voices sounded like gibberish from where they stood. Raquel‟s neutral stance gave away nothing, unless he counted her beguiling figure captured by the sleek lines of her shipsuit. She listened more than she spoke. Did their faces really need to be only centimeters apart while they talked? They had ears, didn‟t they? What were they discussing so intently? Though Nick tried to squelch his paranoid thoughts, they ransacked his mind. He didn‟t realize how high he had raised his fists until Twitch nudged him. “Easy, big guy. Seems like they got a lot to catch up on. Don‟t take it personal.” The thought of Raquel sharing a history with an oaf like Antonio goaded him. “What does he want with her, Twitch? Could they be planning a takeover?” A pause followed as Twitch considered the questions. “I think you‟re asking two different things. Here‟s my take on the second question: You can‟t trust pirates, Nick. Let your guard down, and you‟ll be dead before you hit the floor.” The remark prompted a sudden recall of Raquel‟s rich, hot mouth, and then her gun sticking menacingly against his groin. An involuntary shudder followed. He had already broken Twitch‟s rule in spades. 156

Once Upon a Time in Space “And your take on the first?” “If you fall for her, she‟ll break your heart.” Nick sucked in a breath. He kept his voice low and measured as he tested the water of his navigator‟s suspicion. “Is it that obvious?” Twitch nodded solemnly. “‟Fraid so.” Damn. He had underestimated the man beside him yet again. From that moment on, he vowed not to repeat that mistake in the future. Maybe it wouldn‟t hurt to take him into his confidence more often. Maybe he should take his advice and back off before he really sank in over his head. But then, movement ahead demanded his attention. The soft murmur of conversation had stopped. Antonio leaned forward, head tilted. Long tentacles corded with greed whipped around Raquel, closing quickly. Both hands settled onto her backside as he took a kiss from her. Actually, it was more of a crushing, violent embrace than a tender exchange of affection. Although Raquel didn‟t respond in kind, she didn‟t resist, either. Nick fumed as the kiss lasted an interminably long time. Antonio was clearly playing to his audience, flaunting his advantage. Splaying his fingers wide, he cupped a breast for a while. Played with her hair. Disgust slammed into him. Why didn‟t she push him away? Her arms hung limply by her sides even as Antonio intensified his reckless assault. Nick wanted to shake her out of her complacency. Her submissive behavior confused him. Why was he, Nick, such a target for her weapon, her anger, her fear, when Antonio was not? Then a meaty claw groped her inner thighs, exploring far too deeply and with entirely too much precision. Nick growled. All manner of caution violently uprooted and left him. Despite Twitch‟s admonishment about falling head over heels for a pirate, 157

he was already too far gone. Adrenaline pumping, he rocketed forward. He was going to punch, kick, or blast that arrogant bastard into the next dimension if that‟s what it took. Twitch clamped both arms around one of his, holding him back. “Let it go, Nick. It‟s none of our business. We have a mission to accomplish. Remember the mission!” The mission. Nick froze. Swallowed past a hard lump of pride. Or maybe grief. Closing his eyes in an attempt to calm the raging surge of his bloodstream, he pictured a bright, opulent planet, one teeming with colorful, verdant flora, open seas, and vast continents. Pure. Abundant with life. Eden beckoned, her treasures glittering and all for the taking. It was a chance for humankind to have a meaningful future. There were more important matters than his libido. Like Raquel. Stop it! Opening his eyes, Nick disengaged from Twitch‟s grasp. “You‟re right. I‟m okay. Everything‟s fine.” On the opposite side of the chamber, the kiss ended and the pair resumed their conversation. Twitch cleared his throat again. “You‟re a swell guy, Nick. Don‟t let something like this bother you.” A gutteral sound emerged from the back of his throat. “On the other hand, well, you know that in the stories, the hero always gets the girl. Right?” Nick stared at him. Hero? “You don‟t mean—” “Just listen to me.” Twitch passed a hand across his features in a useless gesture to still them before crossing his arms. “When I signed up for the Corps, I had big dreams. I was going to work my way up to a command of my own ship, maybe even a fleet.” He 158

Once Upon a Time in Space sighed heavily. “They talk a good game to get you to enlist. The training‟s solid, though, don‟t get me wrong. “So I worked my ass off. I paid my dues. I took crap that no selfrespecting man should ever have to swallow.” The navigator quieted for a moment at some distant, painful memory. “That‟s when everything started to fall apart. I got passed over for so many promotions you could predict your shits by it, ya hear me?” Nick chuckled sympathetically. “My record was spotless. But my potential wasn‟t being realized. A lot of pressure built up, pressure between what I wanted to be and what their rules wouldn‟t allow. So I decided, fuck it. I stopped taking my medication.” He pointed to his face, exploding with movement as though a space mine had hit it. “That‟s why.” Shocked by his admission, Nick could only guess at how exhausting such an onslaught of tics must be, day after day. “They discharged me for medical reasons. Well, it was more like I was classified as a loon, and who needs a loon, see? So when Dr. Raj recruited me for this mission, it was like Buddha himself was handing me a second chance.” He shrugged. “For me, it‟s enough to reach Eden and build myself a nice farm. But you… well, guys like you have bigger dreams.” Twitch stared hard at the pirate pair. “And guys like me, we help you get there.” He thumbed the opposite side of the room. “A woman like her is out of my league.” A wistful tone laced his words. “So I‟m here to make sure you win. If anyone‟s going to be with Raquel, it‟ll be you.” His eyes glinted darkly. “Not assholes like him.” Unable to voice his gratitude, Nick stared. You‟re worthy of a great woman, Twitch. Don‟t believe for a second that you aren‟t. He thought about Janice, and how she‟d make Twitch an excellent partner. But as the image of her sprang to mind, he realized that 159

she was certainly no Raquel. Then the navigator marched forward, shoulders squared. Boots stomping loudly, the gangly man approached Antonio, speaking rapidly and with animated gestures. Was he going to pick a fight? At first, Antonio shot him a look of pure contempt. But something Twitch said apparently began to interest him, for he turned away from Raquel. Nick‟s stomach jumped. Was it his imagination, or was she staring in his direction? Soon, Twitch had Antonio‟s full attention. After a curt nod, he and Twitch strode toward the exit. What on earth had Twitch told him? Nick supposed that in the end, it didn‟t really matter. What mattered was the second chance with Raquel, offered right here on a silver platter. The pair left the chamber. Eventually, the last echo of footsteps died away. Silence drank the room. He inhaled deeply and willed his muscles to relax. Finally, he was alone with her again. Leaving his light on the floor where it lay, he began his approach. His body cast large shadows against the far walls, creating an eerie, phantasmagoric display. As Nick neared, Raquel said nothing. She only propped both elbows upon a ledge behind her. The slight arch of her back pushed her breasts forward, and they swelled with exotic splendor. Alluringly, she seemed unaware of the effect. Dark hair spilled thickly over her shoulders, and he saw that her good eye was a cloudy pool of black. She appeared deep in thought. Nick‟s heart pumped faster, for this deadly outlaw actually looked sad to him. Lonely. He felt a strong urge to fold her into his embrace and keep her safe. Emotionally safe, at least. She clearly had the rest covered. But was she his to protect? If she belonged to Antonio, Nick knew he was hopelessly lost. On the other hand, he reflected—with deep dismay— perhaps the Siren belonged to no 160

Once Upon a Time in Space man. “Antonio wants to make you a deal.” The abrupt remark startled him. Truthfully, he hadn‟t known what to expect, but that was the mystery of Raquel. Nick rested both forearms on the ledge, forcing himself to keep a polite distance between their bodies. Though reluctant to dwell on his competition, he was intrigued. Yet why communicate through Raquel? Giving her a sidelong glance, he replied, “There a reason he can‟t negotiate with me directly?” Raquel laughed bitterly. “Oh, you men! You‟re all so alike, and yet you don‟t even understand one another.” Nick‟s voice edged toward a growl. “I‟m nothing like him.” “Oh, I know.” She extended a finger as if to rub her patch and then abruptly lowered it. “Well, he didn‟t want to speak to you directly because of pride. He hasn‟t lost a fight or a raid, or anything for that matter as long as I‟ve known him.” “Apparently he hasn‟t lost a woman, either.” Nick stared pointedly. “That‟s where you‟re wrong.” The startling revelation hung in the air, as tantalizing as her scent. Nick remained silent, an invitation for her to continue. “Antonio was my first pirate lover. That‟s why you saw him kiss me with such… familiarity. I realize you probably detest him by now, but he entered my life at a time when I really needed someone. Someone powerful. Actually, Antonio is why I became a pirate in the first place.” A half-smile formed, softening the edges of her lips. “We plundered the whole galaxy together, it seemed. That‟s how I raised enough resources to refit the Deathraven. He understood me.” Nick couldn‟t help but resent the implication that he didn‟t understand her. He knew for a fact he could, if she would give him 161

a chance. Yet there wasn‟t a doubt in his mind she was withholding information about her past, something she had mixed feelings about sharing. Therefore, he had to coax her. Gently. “And?” “And when I was no longer new to him, when I developed ambitions of my own, he left.” Astonishment made his face go slack. Antonio had won Raquel as a partner, a lover, and he had left her? The man was an even bigger buffoon than he had previously thought. Then he remembered that even though she was a pirate, tough as steel, she was still a woman who might have thought she was in love. “Did it hurt?” At his question, Raquel gazed at him for a long time. Were the shadows deceiving him, or did he see a tear in her eye? “Yes. For a long time, but not as long as I thought it would.” She lightly brushed two fingers across her lips, though whether the act was to relive or banish a memory he couldn‟t be sure. “That‟s why I let him kiss me. Make no mistake. It wouldn‟t have happened without my consent.” “Care to explain why?” “I had to know if any of those old feelings still existed. I guess you could say I needed the closure.” “What‟s the verdict?” Raquel shrugged. “The verdict is, it‟s over. As it should be.” Her words precipitated a pleasurable cascade of flexing, tightening muscles throughout his body. But for every second that his crew associated with Antonio and his gang, they hovered beneath a veil of danger. Best to concentrate on the matter at hand. “Tell me what he wants.” Raquel cleared her throat. “He‟ll join your mission. In exchange for his protection, he wants land for himself and his men, land of 162

Once Upon a Time in Space their choosing. It‟s a good offer, Nick.” Regardless of her opinion, he immediately began considering the ramifications of Antonio‟s “offer.” Nick‟s companions might not approve. Wasn‟t the Deathraven enough protection? Though, with a whole planet at stake, what could additional help hurt? The Space Defense Corps had extensive resources, and who knew what other perils lay ahead of them. “But in order for him to help,” Raquel continued, “he needs our help with repairs. I figured between your ships and mine, we can get the Melody Shae spaceworthy.” Perplexed, Nick stared at her. “„Melody Shae‟? My crew reported there weren‟t any other vessels around here.” For a moment, she fought it, but then her lips curved into a coltish smile. Embarrassment coursed through him, but it was irritation that made his face tighten into a scowl. “Don‟t take me for an idiot, Raquel.” Laughter bubbled forth. One hand covered her mouth in an endearing gesture of self-consciousness. When it finally subsided, she said, “I‟m not. It‟s easy to miss.” A few more giggles escaped, but then she assumed a more serious expression. “You‟re standing in it.” Nick straightened to his full height as the implication sunk in. “What the hell? You mean we‟ve been inside his ship this whole time? That‟s impossible!” The thought alarmed him. The supposed asteroid they had entered was huge—wait a minute. No. That assessment was wrong. It was a small asteroid, he remembered Janice remarking. Yet all three of his vessels had fit in the docking bay. Nick quelled a rising panic. What a neat little trap he had flown them all into. The proverbial lion‟s den. Under no circumstances could he allow his judgment to lapse so seriously 163

again, even in the name of being a Good Samaritan. “Not impossible,” said Raquel. “Just Antonio.” “But we thought this was part of an asteroid. Hell, it even looks like an asteroid.” “His junk has technology that enables the use of asteroid rock or similar debris as camouflage.” At his confused expression, she added, “It attracts them like a magnet.” “I see.” Nick supposed the details of this technology were unimportant, but for anyone to exert such a hostile deception…. He would need to tread very carefully. This was not a decision to make lightly. Seconds ticked by as he pondered a decision. “Well?” Now she was the one staring pointedly. She wanted an answer. Damn. Just what he needed—more responsibility. But how could he deny anybody, even a pirate, a chance to start over? They had chosen a life in space, but there were probably many who were sick of it. Thousands, he supposed. Then he remembered what he had first told Raquel, that Eden was for the common men and women. How could he go back on his word? “It‟s not an easy decision,” he told her. “You must know that.” “Nick, Antonio and his people have done their share of wrong. I know I have. But that‟s only because there haven‟t been any alternatives.” She spoke with increasing urgency. “Your mission is important, as you said, but you really have no idea just how much. Don‟t you think the so-called pirates have been dreaming of a world where they can live without the Space Defense Corps breathing down their necks? Or slaughtering them?” Nick looked at her sharply. “„Slaughtering‟? That‟s a strong word. You have proof?” Raquel stiffened and then stepped away from the ledge. “I don‟t have it here in my pocket, that‟s true enough. But I‟ve seen things, 164

Once Upon a Time in Space massacres and executions that would turn your soul to ice.” “Why would they do that?” “The military isn‟t protecting Earth, Nick. They‟re trying to kill it.” Nick immediately thought of Twitch, Lillian, Sammy, and the others. Had they, too, discovered the deleterious effects of a corrupt system? No wonder they were so willing to keep Eden a secret. “But why?” She shook her head slowly. “I‟m still trying to figure that out. Listen, you can call pirates what you want, but you can‟t call them corrupt. Trust me when I say that most of them just want a home. A humane one.” Her impassioned speech brought to mind Dr. Raj‟s concern about the Corps. If Raquel was telling the truth, the implications were terrible. But for all her fervent arguments, she had left quite a lot unsaid. Nick cleared his throat. “You obviously feel very strongly about it. If you‟re right, I understand what‟s at stake here. But what‟s it to you? I mean, personally.” Raquel wavered visibly before answering. “I… I was going to ask for land. For my crew. They want to help colonize the new planet. It‟s all they talk about.” Nick noticed that she requested land for her men, but not for herself. Why? More questions abounded, but he decided not to press the issue. The wrong word or phrase might scare her away. He was about to say it wasn‟t his place to authorize land partitioning, but should he tell her? For all she knew, he‟d be in charge of the planet until the Collective sent representatives, or Earth‟s citizens voted for an interim government. “The best weapon you‟ll have is your ingenuity, and as for a shield, that would be your courage,” the doctor had told him. Nick decided the words were code for You‟re In Charge Until Someone 165

Smarter Comes Along. Besides, Raquel and her followers had already proven themselves. As for Antonio… well, Nick would have to watch him like a hawk, but his presence couldn‟t hurt. It was only fair to reward them for the risk. After all, what had Nick done to earn their trust? It went both ways, he realized. “Tell Antonio he‟s got a deal. And you, too,” he added. “Thank you,” she whispered. In the silence that followed, Nick suddenly felt the pull of her warmth. Beneath alabaster skin, she pulsed hotly with life. Every one of his nerves trembled with the desire to taste her again. Damn Antonio! Despite the first aid, his injuries still smarted. Soreness informed him that his body didn‟t feel the least bit romantic, even if his heart did. Yet in her enigmatic company, both the fight as well as Antonio‟s kiss lay forgotten, distant memories. All he wanted was to slip away with her into the nearby darkness. Slip inside her…. Raquel caught his hand just as his fingertips grazed her left cheek. “Someone might see us.” “Then let them see.” Her grip on his hand wasn‟t so rigid that he couldn‟t use his index finger to caress her cheek where he had left off. Slowly, he trailed a path down to the corner of her lip. She crushed his hand with hers, but he couldn‟t tell if the act was in self-defense or a reaction to his touch. Damn, but she was strong. Yet the pain in his hand was nothing compared to the ache in his cock. “You‟re injured,” she said. “So?” Nick closed the distance between them. He felt the tips of her breasts brush his shirt. The sensation electrified him. “That didn‟t stop you before.” The pressure on his hand was unrelenting, yet she didn‟t attempt to move it. With the tip of his finger, he lightly rubbed a 166

Once Upon a Time in Space spot on her bottom lip. Her face remained impassive, but her breath deepened. “The episode in the bay was an error in judgment.” “What about since then? Seems like you have a lot of those where I‟m concerned.” With another flick of his finger, he managed to trace her upper lip. So warm. “I bite, Nick,” she said, her voice ominously low. “Very hard.” With that, she slid his entire index finger into her mouth. “Ah, fuck!” Nick clutched the ledge to keep his legs from buckling. Her mouth felt so wet and tight he was on the verge of spilling his seed. It certainly didn‟t help that she was sliding her tongue up and down the length of his finger. And teeth. Now she was raking her teeth against his skin. She was at the base now, circling it with sharp points. God, this was insane! Nick pushed her against the ledge, but still she held on to his hand. His erection strained for freedom, pinned against her hip. Unable to help himself, he bent down and cleaved to her neck with his mouth, taking in a combination of hair and skin as he did so. Raquel pulled on his finger with her tongue even more relentlessly. The slippery softness was too much to bear. Nick groaned with a mixture of fear and anticipation. If she bit him, he was going to come. With a brief cry, Raquel released him. “We shouldn‟t be doing this,” she gasped. Nick immediately covered her mouth with his. “I want you,” he said, breathing hotly against her lips. He kissed her, heedless of the stinging pain as cuts reopened. Amazingly, she kissed him back. Circling her waist with his hands, he moved her hips flush against his and spoke urgently into her ear. “There‟s a dark corner over there. Don‟t worry about the cold deck. You could ride me to your heart‟s content.” 167

Raquel started pushing at his shoulders. Pushing hard. Hurry, the action seemed to say. Nick couldn‟t begin to imagine the pleasure they were about to exchange. He reached out to take her hand. Lead her to bliss. But she backed away. Far away. “No,” she said, resolute in a manner that made his heart go suddenly cold. Maybe it was a long time since she‟d been in a relationship. He‟d have to take things slower. “Raquel, it‟s okay. I‟m not going to leave you.” She averted her gaze while adjusting her ascot. “Nick, I know you don‟t want to hear this, but it‟s important that we keep it professional between us from now on.” Nick lunged forward and caught her nearest arm. His eyes burned as hotly as his need. “It‟s a little late for that.” Her gaze slid down to his hand, and then returned to his face. “I thought you were nothing like Antonio,” she said in warning. Reluctantly, he withdrew. “We need to talk more. Just talk. I promise.” “I have to inform Antonio of the agreement and oversee the repairs.” Her voice had turned cold, mechanical. “Like a proper captain, you should report the new plan to your crew.” At his harrowed look, Raquel sighed. “Nick, it isn‟t right that we… carry on like we have been. You and I both know it would be detrimental to our crews‟ morale if they found out. Besides, we‟re….” She faltered, staring into his eyes with something dangerously close to longing. As quickly as it came, though, the impression vanished. Her voice hardened further. “We‟re too different. That‟s why we need to keep it professional, like the business arrangement it is.” She brushed past him, heading toward the corridor. 168

Once Upon a Time in Space “Raquel, don‟t do this. Wait!” The anguish in his voice must have given her pause. She withheld her next step. “Raquel, I‟m—” Nick could barely swallow, his mouth having gone critically dry at her unexpected rejection. But he wasn‟t going to let that stop him. He needed to speak, and she needed to hear what he had to say. “Raquel, I‟m in love with you.” Centuries seemed to pass before she turned and spoke over her shoulder. “You‟re in love with an idea. Get over it.” Then she strode away, melting into the shadows. Soon, all that remained in the chilly air was the lingering scent of cinnamon. Nick opened his mouth to breathe, but all that he ingested was dread. How could she act so callously, especially when the chemistry between them refused to die? A foreboding thought arose. Maybe it was all in his head. Raquel was a glamorous pirate, battling military corruption and sailing the sea of stars. What was he? A mechanic. A nobody‟s nobody. It was easy to get caught up in the fantasy that someone like her would be attracted to someone like him. What‟s wrong with me? After examining and discarding numerous options, he realized he was sick. Sick with love for her. Sick with the fear she didn‟t feel the same way about him. Nick sank to the floor. If a way existed to win her heart, it eluded him. Burying his head in both hands, he withdrew so deeply inside himself that all sensation vanished. Hours lapsed before he could even think about facing another human being, let alone the bloody mission. Goddamn it, Raquel.

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Chapter Twelve Repairs to the Melody Shae took two days. The newly allied crews maintained a civil, if uneasy, working relationship. Then the hour arrived to depart Gideon‟s Belt and embark on the final phase of the journey. Three more jumps would catapult them to the Aquarius Galaxy, and then all five vessels would make the final approach to Eden. It seemed a straightforward plan, but no one acted as if that were the case. Instead, jittery anticipation penetrated them all to the soul. Aboard the Santa Maria‟s bridge, Nick and the others watched the murky feed as the Melody Shae shook free of its camouflage. First, gargantuan cracks appeared, splitting their way across the surface. Chunky slabs of rock shot out like a fireworks display. Soon, the leviathan broke free from the last of its armor. Apparently its size was a big deal, judging from the animated conversation swirling around him. Gideon had punched up a schematic outlining the Melody Shae‟s scale to those of their own ships. After studying it, Nick concluded that his modest vessels looked like pea shooters in comparison. Antonio‟s dreadnaught bore a woman‟s name, but its clunky lines and harsh, box-like angles belied anything remotely related to feminine curves. If Nick hadn‟t resented Antonio so blasted much, he might have asked about the story behind the name. When the show ended, the crew dispersed to their stations. Coordinates were set per the usual “Hit me up, Janice!” routine, but Nick could barely concentrate. Obsessive thoughts plagued him. Had Antonio contacted Raquel? If so, what were they 170

Once Upon a Time in Space discussing? He opened his mouth to ask if Janice knew how to monitor ship-to-ship exchanges, but quickly changed his mind. What good would it do, anyway? It would be an action based on jealous thoughts, not a shrewd tactical decision. Nick slumped in his captain‟s chair and stared miserably out the view port. With Raquel keeping him at arm‟s length, he envisioned a long and tortuous journey. Time passed slowly. During the next month and a half, he sorely wanted to contact her, but no pretense existed under which to do it. Hours passed, one bleeding into another as he endlessly replayed their most recent encounter. Most nights he ended up wide awake, staring at the deckhead and wondering what she was doing at that very moment. Was she alone? He pictured her in her quarters doing various things. Eating. Working at her console. Pruning plants. Inevitably, his thoughts wandered to her sultry figure and beguiling face. Other activities in which she engaged came to mind. Undressing. Showering. Sleeping. Especially the part about undressing. Nick often debated with himself about whether she slept clothed or fully nude. He opted for nude. Opted for joining her as she lay on the bed, reaching for him desperately so they could drown in hot, sweaty sex day after day. Right now he could only imagine how her breasts would feel against the palms of his hands, or the curve of her belly, or how her undoubtedly firm thighs would grip him as he thrust into her. One particularly sleepless night, Nick recalled her sudden interest in Admiral Huston and the Fitzcarraldo. He felt determined to investigate that interest, so much so that he left the 171

bed and sat before his console. The search yielded sparse information. Admiral Huston had amassed his share of medals and adulation, that much was clear. As Nick scrolled through hundreds of news archives, this man‟s background remained annoyingly elusive. What was Raquel‟s connection to him? Based on the available data, all the images revealed a man old enough to be her father. Was he? What‟s this? Nick peered closer. It was an interview with Huston featured in the Space Defense Corps Bulletin. Even though he knew it was merely a net public relations monthly, Nick read it carefully. In the interview, the Admiral was quoted at length about piracy and his take on its detrimental impact. Oddly, he included scathing references to the Advocates For Expansion movement. He lumped them in with pirates, waxing on about their “disloyal” and “treasonous” acts. Nick frowned. Even though the Admiral kept emphasizing he had the best interest of Earth‟s future at heart, something about the message unsettled his stomach. He seemed unnaturally zealous about it. What did the Space Defense Corps care if a bunch of people wanted their tax dollars allocated to space exploration? As the question arose, he experienced a sudden pang of guilt. All his life, his only goal had been a higher paying job and a bigger living space. In retrospect, it was a small-minded way to live. Members of the Collective were risking much to achieve a better life for Earth‟s people, not to mention Twitch and the others. Maybe the A.F.E. was vastly misunderstood, if Nick was reading correctly between the lines. Hell, he might as well throw pirates and outlaws into the equation, too. Obviously, the lines had been drawn in a battle that apparently had been going on for some time, and he had been one very ignorant man. 172

Once Upon a Time in Space Nick pressed a fisted hand to his lips as he stared at the screen. Well, now he was in a position to make a difference. As much as he cared for Raquel, he couldn‟t forget the reason he was here. Couldn‟t betray the trust placed in him to obtain a new chance for the entire human race. Still, it would be both fantastic and humbling to share a life with her where she didn‟t have to run from her past and he could find purpose again. This time, it would be a worthy one. Nick went to bed, determined to accomplish two very divergent and seemingly impossible tasks. **** One morning—shipboard time—about three weeks later, he awoke very early to the sound of Gideon‟s voice blaring through the intercom. The engineer‟s tone was serious. Rubbing his face, Nick croaked a response. “Be right there.” After a quick turn in the sani, he dressed and hurried to the bridge. “What is it?” Nick glanced around in surprise. The whole crew had gathered there, and the noise level grew more deafening by the second. Raising his voice to be heard above the din, he called out. “Gideon? Twitch?” Everyone quieted. Gideon appeared and dragged him forward. “Got a report for you,” he said. A strange expression painted his face. Nick accompanied him to Janice‟s station. He looked past Gideon‟s outstretched finger to a tiny, stationary blip on the screen, just off center. “I see,” Nick said. “What is it?” Twitch appeared on his other side. “A hundred bucks says he nails it in three guesses.” Janice rolled her eyes. “Steve, don‟t be a jerk.” Lips curved into a warm smile as she met Nick‟s gaze. “It‟s Eden, Nick. We made 173

it!” It took a moment for her words to register. He‟d been expecting a report about another calamity. He rubbed the back of his head, expelling a quick breath in the process. “Well.” He glanced around at his crew. Many pairs of eyes shining with tears stared back at him. Then the realization finally arrived, and he couldn‟t help slipping into a wide grin. “Well uncle goddamn!” Then he started clapping. “Well done, all of you! Congratulations!” Applause broke out, laced with whoops and hollers so loud his eardrums hurt. More than a few hands slapped Nick on the shoulders or back as congratulatory words and handshakes made the rounds. Janice opened visual links to the Niña and the Pinta, and a full-fledged celebratory party evolved. On the eve of their discovery, more than a few apologies were shared and resolutions made among the crew. Gideon elbowed his way back to Nick‟s side. “Not that it means much of anything, but the target coordinates are a few million kilometers off.” “Meaning?” “Meaning the planet isn‟t exactly where Dr. Raj projected it to be.” Gideon shrugged. “Statistically speaking, the difference is minimal. I‟m attributing it to computational errors. Anyway, we‟re still a few days away at normal drive, but that‟ll give us time to prep a recce mission. You‟ll want to pick a team.” The thought of taking that first step onto soil untouched by human hands sent a bracing thrill down his spine. “I‟d like to lead it.” Gideon clapped him on the shoulder. “Nick, you can do anything you want. But I‟d leave Sammy or Lillian with the ships, just in case.” A second later, he leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “Actually, just leave Twitch and the rest of us can go with 174

Once Upon a Time in Space you.” “I heard that, you stinking pile of rat shit.” Nick nodded as well as he could through his laughter. He cut a look toward the navigator, but he was standing by the wheel, deep in conversation with Janice. Nick turned back to his perusal of the main view screen. Eden‟s image was so small and forlorn he found it difficult to fathom it was an Earth-sized planet, one teeming with life. Nick hoped the human race didn‟t corrupt this paradise, too. Despite the fresh wave of excitement surrounding him, Nick‟s rush of adrenaline began to ebb away, replaced by a bout of dejection. He could think only of Raquel, sailing away on the Deathraven back into the sea of stars once they reached the new world. With the recent gulf of silence between them, how could he possibly convince her to stay? Grief roiled within him, but he deliberately channeled the emotions into resolve. Raquel would not be lost to him. After prying Janice away from Twitch, he took her aside for a private consultation. When he finished, she nodded and returned to her station. Nick left the bridge and strode determinedly to his quarters. Once there, he headed straight for the console. “What do you want?” Nick cleared his throat. He had made the decision to contact Raquel so quickly he‟d barely had time to collect his thoughts. The dazzling vision before him made it even more difficult to concentrate. Her beautiful face haunted him, but the weary, guarded look in her eye concerned him. Must you scowl every time we talk? “Our long range scanners picked up Eden, our destination. Thought I‟d confirm it with you, keep you in the loop.” One corner of her mouth curled slightly upward. “We have scanners, too, Captain Venture. Do you have any other actual… 175

business to conduct?” „Captain Venture‟. „Business‟. Nick winced at the excessive formality. So she was going to insist on keeping a wall between them. Well, he could play that game, too. Let her believe one existed until he blasted it apart and took her so hard she would collapse from exhaustion. “As a matter of fact, yes. I‟m here to remind you about your commitment—the one I expect you to keep. We‟re not at Eden yet, and you‟ll continue as escort until I say you can go.” The awkward, stilted words tasted like metal gumballs in his mouth, but he continued anyway. “Don‟t think I won‟t report you to the Space Defense Corps if the situation calls for it.” There. He had just threatened her with blackmail. Cut it out, already. You‟re being an ass. Raquel looked at him, silent and inscrutable. The occasional static from the link punctuated the growing tension. Her smoky, one-eyed stare mesmerized him. As though under great duress, she spoke. “Nick, why don‟t you say what‟s really on your mind.” She was so damned perceptive! It both embarrassed and elated him. Raquel was right. He wasn‟t a real captain, so why keep up the charade? He was in love with her. He was perfect for her. He knew it for a fact. He just had to convince her. “I‟m not asking for a lifelong commitment. I want… to get to know you. Raquel, I‟ve never been to the ocean before. Have you?” He didn‟t wait for an answer. Of course she hadn‟t. “Let‟s find a nice hot beach and talk a while. Just talk. I mean it. No touching. No secrets. Only the two of us.” Expectantly, he stared at her. She sighed softly. “I can‟t.” Nick noticed that she was rubbing her left wrist, the one with the bracelet. Then he met her gaze again. “What‟s stopping you?” He swallowed hard, dreading the answer to his next question. “Is 176

Once Upon a Time in Space it me?” “Oh, Nick.” She rubbed at her patch while shaking her head. “Don‟t torture yourself. It has nothing to do with you.” He sensed her pain, pulsing beneath the surface of her smooth, flawless skin. Please let me in! He spoke very quietly. “If you‟re in that much pain, then it has everything to do with me. If you don‟t want to go, that‟s fine. We can find some other place. I want to know what‟s bothering you. Can it hurt that much to talk about it?” Anguish seeped into her voice. “Why are you doing this to me?” Nick extended his palms. “It‟s simple. I love you. I want to be with you.” Raquel studied him for a long moment. She took a deep breath, momentarily drawing his attention to the way it lifted her firm, ample breasts. After what seemed like an eternity, she said. “When I hijacked your ships, it was because we badly needed supplies, especially if I was to fulfill my own obligations.” “What kind of obligations?” “It‟s personal. A… a family matter.” He assumed she meant her parents. Maybe siblings as well. Her tone and stiff posture hinted at some kind of tragedy, he was sure. Nick spoke even more gently as he coaxed her. “What happened to your family, Raquel?” He discerned a softening of her features. She was beginning to melt. Damn these infernal hulls! If only he could reach for her…. She seemed to be deliberating. He almost stopped breathing. Obviously she harbored some kind of deep conflict within her. Maybe it had something to do with her decision to become a pirate. Nick remained silent. One wrong word and she might lock her defenses into place again. But shortly, all his efforts came to nothing. 177

“You don‟t want to know,” Raquel said. Nick involuntarily reached out to a black screen as the transmission went dead. That‟s where you‟re wrong, Raquel. Like it or not, I‟m going to help you by finding the secret of your mysterious past.

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Chapter Thirteen In his best ersatz pilot impression from an old ciné, Gideon cupped a hand to his mouth and started a running commentary on the landing as the shuttle approached the bright blue orb of Eden. “Santa Maria Airlines welcomes you to Planet Eden, future home of scoundrels, thieves, degenerates… and Twitch.” He paused dramatically for laughs, which his passengers giddily provided. Except for Twitch, who muttered a half-hearted “Fuck you.” Unfazed, Gideon continued. “The ground temperature is a balmy seventy degrees, with overcast skies….” As the rampant joking filled the shuttle, Nick grinned. The exuberant mood of his companions was infectious. Here he was, a simple mechanic, descending in a shuttle to a brand new Earth. Nothing in his life compared to the experience, absolutely positively nothing. Then there was the history they were making! As Janice had put it, never mind that giant leap for mankind. This was a soaring flight for the future of humanity. Behind them, Sammy commandeered a shuttle with a contingent of his crew. Antonio followed with a brigade from the Melody Shae. Earlier, he had announced his intention to bring a dizzying variety of weapons and wanted to know if Nick and his people needed to borrow any. When Nick objected, Antonio cited gun frontier rights. Twitch pointed out that even if there weren‟t other people to worry about, there might be wild animals. That kind of logic gave Nick no choice but to concede. As for Lillian, she had drawn the 179

short straw, so to speak, and would remain aboard the Pinta to deal with problems should anything go wrong. But how could it? So far, the readings had shown that the planet was in pristine condition, a paradise like no other. During the planning phase of the expedition, Nick learned from Antonio that Raquel would be staying aboard the Deathraven to conduct further tests and gather planetary data using the ship‟s specialized equipment. Devastation rocked him at the news. She had been constantly on his mind, and a hundred times more so since their last conversation. Ever since forming the alliance, he had harbored numerous fantasies about being with her on the new world. Fantasies he couldn‟t shake from his mind, like cavorting with her at a sunny, breezy beach. Using slow, languid movements, he would ease the shipsuit from her curvaceous body. Then he‟d push her—both of them naked—down into the wet sand while greedily parting her soft lips with his firm ones. Salty, tangy seawater would pool between her breasts while he traced and stroked them. So many more enticing actions followed, to the point that if he didn‟t stop, his cock would be in a constant state of arousal. He had thought her reluctance to meet with him dirt-side had been a passing mood, figuring she would later change her mind. But it was becoming increasingly evident that she was motivated by a force so strong that even a planet of untold riches paled in importance to her “obligation.” What was so horrible about her family tragedy that she didn‟t think he‟d want to know? As soon as he could spare a moment from this weighty commander gig, he would make a point to assure her that whatever it was, he would understand. He could only hope that once she saw the reports on Eden, she wouldn‟t be able to resist its call. 180

Once Upon a Time in Space Two hours later, Gideon announced they were making the final approach. Being unable to resist the planet‟s call himself, Nick concentrated on the task at hand. As they neared their destination, the jokes and laughter gradually subsided. Idle chatter gave way to a deep silence, pregnant with reverence and awe. The shuttles flew north of the equator, toward a region with temperate climes. Below them, visible from the ports, a wide expanse of beach stretched to infinity. West of the sandy bar lay a thick swath of forested land. To the east was a spectacular sight, the largest body of water any of them had ever seen. Gideon whistled, and rightly so. Pictures and films of oceans from Earth‟s past didn‟t do the one before them any justice at all. Nick thought it sparkled more beautifully than any star. Thunk. The shuttle landed. The radio crackled with updates from the other two shuttles, All had safely reached the surface. Scant moments later, Gideon gave the all-clear to depart. Nearly in unison, every pair of eyes turned toward Nick. Their faces spoke volumes. He was to exit first. Well, I guess this is it. He undid the safety harness and headed toward the rear of the shuttle. The hatch unfurled with a loud hiss as it birthed Nick into the new world. Eden. Humanity‟s new home. For so long, it had seemed only a hypothetical place. A deep, cynical part of him had never admitted to the possibility of its existence. He glanced down, noticing that his hands shook, although more from excitement than fear. Was the experience anything like his forefather discovering America? He certainly didn‟t feel like a big-shot explorer. He set his lips in a determined line. Thinking was something he could do anytime. Right now, he wanted to discover what it meant to be on 181

a safe, uninhabited planet. Nick strode down the ramp. An ocean breeze greeted him, one so tangy and fresh it made his eyes water. He had never smelled anything so…so clean in his entire life. As he stepped onto the beach, he inhaled deeply, loving every second as heat from the sun-baked sand filled his lungs and warmed his skin. The bright sun nearly blinded him as he surveyed the expansive view. The experience was a heady mixture of hot and cool, fresh and pure. A half-moan, half-laugh escaped him. He plunged forward, bereft of words for this tremendous honor. Stumbling to the ocean‟s edge, he knelt, gasping at the biting, stimulating chill. Then, like a madman, he scooped up great handfuls of seawater and splashed himself to the point of drowning. Then he was no longer alone as the remaining crews from all three shuttles poured forth into the noonday sun. Exclamations soared high and far in the piquant air as everyone fanned across the beach. Many among them followed Nick‟s example and plunged into the ocean. Some were fully clothed, some unabashedly naked, and all were shouting with glee. As Nick gazed around the enchanting landscape, he gave silent thanks to every god whose name he could remember, for this was truly a paradise of epic proportions. From the miniscule sand crystals to the sparkling, untainted water and the flora and fauna, Eden burst with life. At first, few words were spoken as hands reached down to fist blades of grass and stroke fragrant petals. Some lay prostrate, their tear-stained eyes reflecting the heaven above. After the initial shock of pleasure, adjustment came gradually. It seemed more like a party than a reconnaissance mission. Alone or in small groups, the men and women wandered up and down the beach as the waves lapped at their bare feet. Others passed 182

Once Upon a Time in Space around liquor and grazed on food brought from the ships. Sammy caught a fish in a nearby river, but no one knew how to dismantle it, let alone cook it. Ever the practical one, Janice observed it was probably best to release the fish because they hadn‟t tested it for poisons. Nick noticed that wherever Janice went, Twitch was by her side. Once, he tracked the pair as they disappeared together behind a thick copse of dark brown trees. Antonio and his group kept to themselves, but they seemed no less in awe of the lush surroundings. Nick ordered that the food and drink be shared with them, or at least offered. A gruff nod from their leader was the only acknowledgment. Hefting his triple barreled monstrosity, Antonio used the time to patrol up and down the forest‟s edge. Gideon was collecting samples and running tests in a woodsy area about a quarter mile inland. Nick sought him out at one point to check his progress. Beneath the canopy of branches, the air felt cool and damp. It also smelled deliciously of flowers. The trees looked and felt so alive that Nick swore he could sense their spirits pulsing in the very wood itself. He stared up at the abundant leaves in helpless awe. Who knew there could be so many? He threaded his way carefully to Gideon‟s side. An array of complicated looking instruments surrounded him. A short distance away, someone had stacked crates and containers of varying sizes for storing samples. Nick acted the responsible leader, asking the engineer relevant questions each step of the way. Soon, however, he became lost in Gideon‟s scientific jargon. Noticing his deeply furrowed brow, the engineer chuckled and waved him off. “Go have some fun. I‟ll call you back if I need you.” “Meaning when you need another beer?” “Exactly.” 183

With a farewell wave, Nick ambled back to the beach and grabbed a bite to eat. He did a little more exploring with Twitch and a few others, but eventually made his way alone to a secluded spot by the water‟s edge. He removed his shirt and boots and rolled up his pants. Barefoot, he walked aimlessly around in the shallow waves. Wet sand squelched pleasantly between his toes. He hoped no one called for him, because now more than ever he needed time to think. **** Some time later, Nick was lying on the sand a hand‟s breadth from the lapping waves. Should he have found a more constructive pastime? Probably. Were there urgent responsibilities? Most likely. But he knew that if he didn‟t seize the opportunity now, he‟d have to wait a long time for such luxury again. The Santa Maria would have to return to Earth as soon as they had conducted the tests and collected enough samples. The plan was to remain here only a few weeks. As commander, he alone was responsible for announcing the planet‟s discovery once the ship was within communication range of Earth. So if he used some of the time to soak up the rays of a glorious sun, he figured the Collective would understand. Yeah. One good tan for the Collective. Even though the hot, golden star above pounded him mercilessly, he never wanted the sensation to end. A light breeze ruffled his hair. Perspiration beaded his face and chest, and his skin felt as if it were on fire. The heat soaked into his bones with such pervasiveness that in his drowsy state, he felt like he‟d been drugged. The only part missing from the experience was holding Raquel‟s hand as she basked in the warmth beside him. Sighing, he succumbed to the pangs of love and his lust-soaked thoughts for her. When something splashed into the water nearby, he 184

Once Upon a Time in Space reluctantly glanced up, shielding his eyes against the glare. Silhouetted against the afternoon sun, the figure appeared hazy, indistinct. Dark. Whoever it was, the person was definitely staring in Nick‟s direction. “Hey,” he called out in greeting. When no answer came, he rubbed the sweat from his face and stood. Then he recoiled in surprise. Raquel stood before him, ankle deep in the water. Mysteriously silent, she stared straight at him. Almost through him. Despite the heat, he shivered. An ineffable feeling washed over him. Something about the encounter struck him as unusual. Obviously, he wasn‟t accustomed to seeing her in a context other than a starship. Yes, that was it. His heart soared. She had changed her mind. As sacrilegious as the thought probably was, he thought the new world paled beside her sheer beauty. The sun hit her in just the right way, and it seemed as though an aura ringed her body. One hand rested seductively on a hip, teasing him. Her hair seemed even darker and more lustrous than before. Here, in the natural light, her face appeared less ashen, and her cheeks picked up a rosy hue from the blood-red ascot that bound her neck. Was she becoming hot in that midnight-black shipsuit of hers? He wanted her to replace it with a—what did they used to call it?— a swimsuit. A real scanty top, with only the tiniest of patches covering her breasts. Nick pictured even less material covering her mound and ass. Black, red, green… the color didn‟t matter as long as it didn‟t leave much to his imagination. She wouldn‟t even have to take it off while they made love. He could push the material aside to rub and suck her nipples, or pleasure her sex with his tongue through the thin fabric. His flesh tightened and stirred in violent response to his mischievous thoughts and her intense stare. Although his cock 185

demanded otherwise, he didn‟t dare act on his desire within easy sight of the others. Invite her some place cool and shady and private, came the rakish thought. Yes, but what should he say? He had to word it exactly right, lest he scare her away like the last time. But he couldn‟t help feeling sharp anticipation. This was a moment long in coming. He wanted to share every atom of this astounding, beautiful place with her. He wanted it to be perfect. Nick opened his mouth, but no clever opening line came. Oh, hell. The fresh air, the hot sun, the heavy, wet sand beneath his feet, her startling allure… it all conspired to fill him with a dizzying, drunken feeling. Maybe he ought to give her a chance to speak first. “Nick!” Finally! He drew in a deep breath. Wait a minute. Nick frowned. That wasn‟t Raquel‟s voice. A hand clamped down on his right forearm. “Nick!” It was one of his crew. Goddammit! He turned and slung a withering gaze at the intruder. Janice stood there, wide-eyed. Her hands trembled. Despite the clear, bright light that bathed her, her skin glowed spectral white. At first, Nick barely noticed her condition. “What the hell‟s wrong with you? Can‟t you see we‟re trying to be alone here?” Blanching, she glanced behind him in bewilderment, and then met his gaze. “Nick, I have to tell you something. It‟s important.” Frustrated at the interruption and wary of putting Raquel off for too long, he growled through clenched teeth. “Spill it.” She swallowed visibly. “I was in the woods. I had to… you know, relieve myself. The trees are so pretty, I stayed to look around. Then… I… oh, god!” Tears coursed down splotchy cheeks. “Nick, I saw my brother back there!” 186

Once Upon a Time in Space He frowned. “Janice, you‟re not making any sense.” She rubbed her face. “I know. It sounds bizarre. But I saw him standing right in front of me. At first I almost fainted. I was terrified. How could he be here? But he was as real as we are. I could even smell his cologne.” Hugging herself to still a rising shudder, she lowered her voice. “I saw him, Nick. Please believe me.” Nick felt a pinch of guilt for yelling at her earlier. Janice wasn‟t normally prone to panic, and this was a strange development. “Well, where is he now? We should go talk to him.” What the fuck is going on? Dr. Raj said nobody knew about this planet outside the Collective… and us. Janice shook her head. “That‟s the strangest part. I tried talking to him, but for some reason he didn‟t answer. I wanted to get closer, so I started walking toward him. It took me a second to check my footing, and when I looked up, he was gone.” “Janice,” Nick began, measuring his words carefully. “This mission has been very stressful. Are you sure—” “Nick, I know what I saw!” Both hands balled into fists as her freckles darkened with frustration. “Something‟s wrong here, but it‟s not me.” Nick threw up both hands. “All right. But think logically for a moment. How did he get here? When did he get here?” “That‟s just it. He couldn‟t have.” She crammed a knuckle into her mouth to stem a rising sob. Swallowing again, she lowered her hand and cleared her throat. “He died in a monorail crash four years ago. On Earth.” Her revelation should have alarmed him. He should immediately have rallied the crew and demanded that everyone return to the ships. But for some reason, basic common sense eluded him. Every synapse was on fire, raging for him to put his 187

attention back to where it belonged. On Raquel. Part of him still believed Janice was succumbing to the stress. Grudgingly, though, he realized that duty called. “I see. We‟ll check it out. Just let me talk to Raquel a minute more.” “Nick!” This time, Janice clamped both hands to her mouth. Her face turned even paler. He ignored her and turned back to the pirate. The one who was no longer there. Fuck this shit! Nick thrashed his gaze up and down the beach. Nothing! Not even the fluttering tail of her ascot. He cupped his mouth and opened it wide. “RAQUEL!” Where in the hell had she gone? “Janice, did you see where she went?” He dove for his clothes and threw them back on. Janice stared at him open-mouthed. She slowly shook her head, one foot poised to take a step back. “You were alone, Nick.” “I—what?” An icy blast of dread slammed into him. “Janice, she was right here!” He jammed an index finger toward the water. He glanced down. The only thing staring back was his angry reflection. “Nick, I‟m sorry. That‟s why I came to get you. I was really spooked, and I thought you should know.” His head gave a quarter turn. “Janice, what‟s happening here?” She shook her head, crossing her arms as a chill wind suddenly blew past, enough to dislodge both hair and clothing. I was so sure she had come. Am I the one going crazy? Crazy with love, or lust, probably. Nick directed his gaze out across the ocean. As if pouring hot oil onto his wounded heart, a bulging expanse of roiling malice appeared in the form of a storm cloud. It obliterated the sun as a rumbling noise echoed across the water from god knew where. A shout arose, originating from the location of the shuttles. 188

Once Upon a Time in Space After a swift exchange of glances, Nick and Janice raced toward the sound. Chaos reigned. Upon reaching the landing point, Nick encountered men and women streaming toward the site from every direction. Wide-eyed fear plastered everyone‟s faces. More than a few disappeared into the shuttles. Sammy just plunked his great heaping form down onto the sand, clutching his chest. The wind intensified, lashing across their faces with jagged claws. The pirate crew alone stood guard with weapons drawn as they scanned the landscape. Antonio stood at the core, a giant among them, his triple-barreled gun hefted in his arms. Every muscle seemed to be corded with single-minded purpose. He was aiming at a spot on the forest‟s edge. Dark brows clashed ferociously. Despite the swirl of bodies behind him, he stood rigidly still. Nick‟s blood turned to fire. Was the pirate aiming for one of Nick‟s people? Was it a mutiny? A takeover? Had he fucked up again? Twitch had insisted Nick arm himself before they departed the Santa Maria. Quick as a blink, he rushed Antonio, drew the weapon, and shoved the barrel against the pirate‟s temple. He poised his thumb against the trigger. “Back down, asshole, from whatever it is you think you‟re doing!” Antonio didn‟t budge. Didn‟t blink. Didn‟t release his gaze from the forest. When some of his men moved to tackle Nick, he stayed them with a growl. “Venture, trust me when I say you‟re aiming at the wrong person.” “The hell I am! Who gave you the right to pull a gun on—” “Idiot! Blast my brains out if you must, but you might be interested in the fact that we‟ve got company!” “What?” Nick kept his weapon in place, but followed the line of sight from Antonio‟s gun in case the pirate wasn‟t fucking with 189

him. Eyes narrowed, he searched the forest. Trees. Patches of tall, wild grass. The usual flora and fauna. Okay, and a few hefty boulders. What is this dick talking about? Maybe it‟s a trick— And then he saw it. Behind him, Janice screamed.

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Chapter Fourteen Raquel held herself very still, finger poised against the “end transmission” command. The screen stared emptily back, devoid of the golden, handsome face that had filled it just moments before. Despite his empty threat to report her to the Space Defense Corps, she‟d been seconds away from pressing her lips against the image, yearning to inhabit his warmth once more. Damn it, what was wrong with her? She had just broken her own rule. She had told him to keep it all about business, yet she had come dangerously close to confiding private information about herself. Information that would destroy his declared love for her in an instant if he knew about it. As self-doubt clouded her mind, she stood. Then she began tending to her plants in order to soothe jumpy nerves. Why had she lapsed? She needed an answer if she was going to protect herself in the future. Ha! Like there was going to be a future with him. She frowned at the unexpected longing planted by such a thought. Nick was a handsome man, no doubt about it. Raquel never knew she harbored an attraction for someone ablaze with such tawny features. Maybe it was the particular way in which nature had combined them. Whatever the reason, her blood stirred every time she saw him. That chest! Those long, perfectly chiseled arms and legs! And that… other part of him she tried so desperately to forget. So she felt lust for him. That alone wasn‟t a great concern. But in her honest moments, she had to admit her feelings ran more deeply. With his easy smiles and tender expressions, he was 191

starting to fill a void she had closed off for years. Somehow, he had found a way to demolish her barriers, barriers even Antonio hadn‟t come close to finding, let alone breaking. Right now, she was operating on instincts, but they told her Nick was a man with whom she could feel secure. That he wasn‟t out to fight, exploit or betray her. Nick Venture was a man she could trust. Raquel savored the thought. Would that she could be so lucky! Though a psychiatrist would undoubtedly have a field day with the revelation, Raquel realized who Nick reminded her of the most. Her father. Both good, principled men. Strong advocates. Considerate of others almost to a fault. Was she so immersed in the sordid ways of pirate life that she had forgotten how a real man behaved? Raquel sighed. Clearly, she had. And therein lay the danger. Snip, snip. Scooping up the dead leaves, she pressed them into the “soil” to nourish the plants. As she worked, recollection surfaced of their encounter aboard the Melody Shae. She hadn‟t meant to let him get so close to her. But he had a habit of not fearing her. The desire burning in his eyes had been proof enough of that. Raquel felt herself go moist at the thought. Allowed a small grin to form at the memory of his finger deep inside her mouth. She wondered if his cock tasted as good. Probably better. She didn‟t doubt his prowess. A sharp ache still lingered in her sex, and for a moment she indulged in the fantasy of wrapping her hands around his impressive erection. Yet, inside the lion was the heart of a gentle lamb. He had said he loved her. So foolish. It couldn‟t be real, not with the image she meticulously cultivated. Raquel had only one possible conclusion for Nick‟s candid declaration. He was in love with a fantasy. She knew the effect she had on men, intended or not. She regretted 192

Once Upon a Time in Space that Nick would be one more casualty in the horror that was her private crusade. He was doing a great service for Earth. He didn‟t deserve to be hurt. But as for a relationship with her, well, they were both shit out of luck. Part of her keenly wished his love were real. Perhaps she even had some to give in return. The other, more hidden side immediately cringed from the thought. If he knew the real Raquel, he wouldn‟t notice her beauty anymore. He‟d see the ugliness she witnessed in every damn reflection. The gaping maw of toxic feelings threatened to engulf her. A good time to report to the bridge, then, she thought. Raquel washed her hands before leaving, wishing it were as easy to wash away her feelings about Nick. **** Several days later, the momentous occasion arrived. The Deathraven‟s fore thrusters fired as the vessel eased into a vantage point at the threshold to Eden. Boots thudded rapidly on the deck when Raquel reported to her station. Solemnly, she wondered how her crew felt about this new world, especially those opting to be released from her “employment” to start a new life there. She envied them to the point of misery, but would never admit it. Still, extra caution was imperative. Before her, the main view screen blazed with the planet‟s image. She wanted to cry at the blissful sight, but held back her tears. With all her heart, she savored the pure, unblemished beauty. Luxuriant swirls of blue and green lacquered its surface. There were even ice caps covering both poles and dotting many a mountain range. That sight alone was enough to make life worth living. So. This is how Earth is supposed to look from space. Unexpectedly, she felt fiercely protective of this vulnerable new world. 193

Data streamed in from the scanners. Raquel was hardly green, but she left most of the interpretation to her other engineer, a woman decidedly not one‟s typical outlaw given her earlier stint as an astrophysicist. Elise rarely interacted with the rest of the crew. Instead, she devoted her spare time to her studies. Once the data from Eden began arriving, she perused the figures from every possible angle using expensive equipment Raquel had installed solely for her. “Report,” Raquel said matter-of-factly, though her heart raced with anticipation. Elise appeared by her side, ready to interpret the symbols and numbers that filled her screen. As Raquel listened, she selected pieces of information that began to coalesce into a disturbing puzzle. Something she couldn‟t quite put her finger on. Even her eccentric engineer, whose words often lacked the usual inflection, spoke with an undertone of excitement. Or was it anxiety? A sense of foreboding spread through her as the anomalies added up. For a planet with an internal structure similar to Earth‟s, these were strange readings! Raquel glanced up. A sober mood gripped the bridge despite the fact that this was the first—the only—habitable planet any of them had ever seen. Raquel had an idea, but she wanted to know about their hypotheses first. “What‟s the preliminary conclusion?” An extremely uncharacteristic pause followed. Raquel waited it out. Eventually, Alvarez turned to face her. “What Elise has been trying to tell you is that this planet is fucked up.” “Unusual in what way, Elise?” “The planet exists and doesn‟t exist—simultaneously.” Raquel frowned. “That doesn‟t make sense.” Elise shrugged, as though Raquel‟s observation was 194

Once Upon a Time in Space inconsequential. “Could it be our instruments? A virus?” Raquel grasped at anything… anything other than the possibility the planet was not as it seemed. “No,” the astrophysicist stated curtly. “That‟s what I thought, too,” Vojtech interjected. “We ran three checks already. Nothing came up.” Raquel tapped a finger impatiently upon the armrest. She believed him, she believed Elise, but occasionally the simplest error caused a shipload of headache. Out here in the gun frontier, light years from the nearest shipyard, they couldn‟t afford anything that might paralyze the ship‟s systems. “That may be, but run the analysis again. I‟ll be in the galley. Have a final report ready when I return.” Raquel left the bridge. She wasn‟t hungry, but she needed a change of environment to sort out her thoughts. Planet or no planet, every second she spent escorting and protecting this exploration fleet from Earth was time sapped away from her rightful mission. Yet this world represented an entire shift regarding humanity‟s survival. One minute the race teetered on extinction, and the next, boom! A chance to procreate for countless centuries more. The new world promised an end to so many woes. But Raquel felt torn. No, correction. Painfully divided. She relished the thought of participating in an epic turning point in humanity‟s future. She wanted to stay, even though circumstances dictated that she observe only from afar. Think how many people you could rescue from Earth and transport to Eden. A shiver ran down her spine at the glorious notion. Yet she couldn‟t arrest her fixation about that bastard and what she was going to do once she found him. 195

Then there was the part of her that craved Nick, and only Nick. Quickly banishing that thought, she strode down the last corridor to the galley. Just as she reached the hatch, a slight shudder, nearly imperceptible, passed through the hull. She froze, ears cocked, hand resting against the butt of her gun. Strange. She had never encountered such a disturbance to her ship before. Not an attack. Not a hull breach, either. The mysterious sensation left her awash in cold tremors. Maybe it was a carryover dimensional ailment from the last jump. Whatever the cause, they needed to determine it—and quickly. Raquel thumbed her comm. “Norris, did you notice that anomaly?” “Aye. Elise is working on it.” “Check the engine, too. And the grav units.” “Will do.” Once she filled her plate from Chef‟s prepared dishes, Raquel sat alone, her actions mechanical as she barely tasted the food. She couldn‟t shake her suspicious feeling. What were these bizarre irregularities among the readings? If not a glitch in the ship‟s systems, where were they coming from? Chewing slowed to a near stop as she searched her memory. What was that ancient saying? Here there be monsters. She quickly swallowed. Now why was she entertaining such thoughts? She had more common sense than that. Raquel hoped she wouldn‟t regret her decision to serve as escort. She stabbed at a re-hydrated piece of bland bean curd. On the other hand, she wondered if she would regret her decision to leave the planet—and Nick—behind. Sighing, she placed her fork onto the half-eaten meal. She had no choice in the matter of her future, but she could always dream. She delivered her soiled plate to the cleaning unit. Though she 196

Once Upon a Time in Space dreaded to hear the crew‟s report, she trusted their judgment and steeled herself for the worst, a useful habit for a pirate. As she exited the galley, so many thoughts competed for attention that at first she failed to notice the three figures standing in the corridor. After two steps forward, she realized something was terribly amiss. The first indication was the deep, unnatural silence pervading the air. The eerie lack of sound caused the hairs on the back of her neck to rise in disturbing unison. She broke out in a chilly sweat. The lighting had also changed, its intensity dampened by unseen hands. Murky and cold, it appeared as though living, breathing shadows surrounded her. What in the hell is happening to my ship? Then there was the fact that none of the profiles matched any of her crew. Whirling, she drew her gun and engaged the intruders in a face-off. Apparently unarmed, they stood quietly, watching her, waiting, as still as a pond. Raquel blanched. Droplets of sweat smeared her vision, but she dared not move, not even to wipe them away. She had expected a surprise attack by outlaws, or even military rats. But not this. Not this! Her gun shook, forcing her to grip it with both hands. Two older adults flanked a young woman in her late twenties. Raquel knew their identities all too intimately, for they were people she had grown up with. David and Karen Donovan, parents of Madeleine and Raquel Donovan. And they were real. Three dimensional. Raquel sensed not only their warmth, but also their familiar smells. She found it difficult to meet their gazes, however, for their eyes were alien to her. Black. Empty. Expressions impossibly hollow and distant regarded her with a chilling otherness. This can‟t be happening. I saw you die! Despite the way her mind clawed and scrabbled for denial, they 197

existed here with her, and yet… not. Oddly, they wore the same drab, gray clothing in which they had died. Despite unrelenting fear, Raquel could not look away. Trembling legs failed to support her, and she collapsed to the deck on her knees. She struggled to maintain her hold on the gun. Pain shot through her legs, but it still wasn‟t enough to stem the flood of unwanted memories while a noose of shame slowly tightened around her neck. You died right in front of me! You‟re dead. Dead! Shock pounded her temples, and panic she hadn‟t tasted in years caused her mouth to go dry and constricted her lungs painfully. She wanted to speak. Had to speak, but what should she say? What words could possibly address such an unexplainable event? She knew who they were, but… what were they, really? Could her family be alive? How was it even possible? Hope faltered beneath an angry lash of cynicism. Her hands twitched. She lowered the gun, but only slightly. As she knelt upon the hard, unyielding deck, she wished for protection of a different kind. Nick‟s strong, comforting arms about her. Why couldn‟t she be wrapped in his embrace on a tropical island somewhere, making love to her heart‟s content? The feel of him stuffed between her thighs would be enough to drown all her sorrows. Curse this life of hers. Curse the danger and the loneliness! Steeling her resolve, Raquel decided this strange visit was a sign. Maybe even a chance for redemption. She had to speak now, or risk losing her family again. “What… what do you want me to do?” She waited for them to speak. Pined for the reassurance of their familiar voices. Longed to hear the sound of their forgiving words. The wait soon yielded nothing but heartache, for no answer came forth. 198

Once Upon a Time in Space She needed guidance so badly the tears caught her by surprise. “I‟m sorry! What should I do? What do you need me to do?” Only vacuous stares responded. A deafening silence numbed her ears. Raquel swallowed past a rising sob. “Say something!” Her good eye swam with tears now, blurring her parents and sister before her. Frustration rising, she wiped them away. Then she moaned. Somehow, she had wiped away her family as well. They were gone, the vision over. She was alone. The former level of lighting abruptly came back online, and the ship‟s usual background noises once again permeated the air. Keening with anguish, Raquel balled a fist and hit her right thigh once, twice, three times and then repeatedly until her flesh exploded with pain. Guilt drove her, relentless and without mercy. Guilt that she had survived, and they had not. Vengeance was the only thing that would calm the riot in her heart. Eventually, the tortured feelings passed, replaced by steady breaths and a clear mind. Raquel returned her gun to its holster. As she headed toward the bridge, she risked a glance back, hoping for one more glimpse…. But nothing appeared. Squaring her shoulders, she continued on. There was something dreadfully wrong in their midst. It was imperative she locate the source of the disturbance, whether that source originated in her ship, on the planet, or in her head. The crew should have a report by now. At least she‟d soon be able to rule out the first two possibilities. Raquel deliberated over how much of her strange encounter she should reveal to her crew, if at all. Or perhaps she wasn‟t the only one. The idea made the breath catch in her throat. How would she deal with mass hysteria? For the time being, she decided a vague, formal warning of caution should be sufficient. 199

The moment the lift opened and delivered her to the bridge, she spewed her words. “We may not be alone out here, people. Look alive!” Though the encounter with her “family” had been extremely unsettling, she maintained composure before her crew. “What‟s the status?” She almost needn‟t have asked. Every station screamed with alertness. “There‟s nothing wrong with any of the systems,” Vojtech responded. “But take a look at this.” He pointed to a three-dimensional, multi-colored image of the planet on the main view screen. Raquel narrowed her eye. The intersecting lines revealed a familiar energy pattern. So familiar it was almost a fact of their daily lives. The conclusion was at once fantastical and terrifying. For a brief moment, she could only stare in wonder. “Is that what I think it is?” Elise called out from her station. “Affirmative. T-minus four minutes and counting.” “We can‟t project its path, either,” added Norris. Raquel stood in alarm as a thought occurred to her. I have to warn Nick and the others! That planet is— She didn‟t finish the thought for fear of losing any more time. “Fenton, raise the Santa Maria‟s captain. Do it now!” Raquel‟s phantom eye burned. Would her warning reach him in time?

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Chapter Fifteen For the next few seconds, Nick could only gaze in horror at the pair of bone-white eyes scrutinizing them from the forest‟s edge. He didn‟t have the presence of mind to lower his gun. Antonio lowered it for him. The pirate grunted, a signal to stand clear. Nick swiftly complied. Everyone who was armed now aimed a weapon toward the strange humanoid crouched beside the base of a large tree. Wrinkled brown skin covered its gnarled root of a body. None of them were prepared for such a phenomenon. Of course, Dr. Raj and his colleagues could only have assumed… well, nothing either way regarding indigenous life forms. Nick‟s comrades had the right to defend themselves, yet he wanted to urge caution. The newcomer wasn‟t hurting anyone at the moment. They should ask questions first, fire later. But his tongue felt heavy and awkward in his mouth. Would the… person even understand human language? A soft, androgynous voice came to him, like the flutter of butterfly wings. Leave this place, it seemed to say. Or was it the wind playing tricks? Then the being raised one of its many limbs. Antonio‟s gun thrummed with power as he prepared to fire. Nick aimed his own weapon, but then gasped as his right hand twisted painfully. He barely had time to register the sight as his gun flew from his grasp. Around him, similar crises afflicted his companions. As swiftly as the armed men and women had aimed and cocked their weapons, a powerful force wrenched them all away. Plink. Plunk. Plunkplunkplunk. 201

Nick blanched as every last one disappeared beneath the ocean‟s surface. Antonio‟s triple barreled monster seemed to have soared the farthest. What the hell was happening? This kind of bizarreness was far, far beyond him. “Motherfucker!” Antonio bellowed, locks of dark hair whipping across his scowling expression. “Do you have any idea how long I had that beauty?” A fist crashed into a palm, propelled by twin missiles of flexing, angry muscle. “Fight me like a man, you son of a bitch!” Nick wrapped his arms around the pirate‟s torso. “Wait a minute. Stop! Calm down. Just back off!” The two grappled furiously for a moment. Nick shouted to be heard above the shrieking wind. “Don‟t do anything stupid, you idiot! We have to find out what we‟re dealing with here.” Antonio ceased struggling and shoved him away. Both eyes remained locked on the intruder, but he addressed Nick. “What are you, a fucking diplomat? Or just a fucking fool?” Leave this place! That time, the warning was louder, more distinct. More than a few people jumped. Heads swiveled nervously, including Antonio‟s, trying to determine the source. Nick trained his gaze back onto the strange visitor. The voice hadn‟t entered his brain through the normal channels. Maybe it… he, or her… whatever it was, would be willing to listen as he explained their purpose in coming here. Nick stepped forward slowly. Planting his feet firmly in the sand a short distance from the forest‟s edge, he mentally talked himself past his fear, the only way to relax his limbs and keep his expression neutral. It was probably best to start off with a basic introduction, so he opened his mouth to speak. I know who you are. 202

Once Upon a Time in Space Nick blinked. “All right,” he responded. “Then you might know why we‟re here. Despite our… precautions, we don‟t mean any harm. Our home world is crumbling to dust as we speak. In order to survive, we‟ve come to colonize this planet. Only, we didn‟t know anyone was here. Who are you?” The wind died down, replaced by a queer, preternatural silence. Nick tensed, anxiously awaiting the answer. I am it. Nick frowned. “What do you mean?” The planet. I am it. The more Nick interacted with this stranger, the stranger it got. “Who else is with you?” I am the planet. Nick glanced at Antonio, who had clearly “heard” the answer as well. “Ask if it wants to strike a deal with us.” Nick shook his head. He wasn‟t going to strike any deal that would compromise Earth‟s future. He turned to the humanoid. “We‟re going to colonize this planet, but I promise you, we won‟t harm it. If we have to cohabitate, we will. Peacefully.” Nick thought back to the scant memories of his school lessons, and how his ancestor had inadvertently brought ruin to the New World. But events would play out differently this time. He would see to it personally. But his good intentions proved fruitless. No. You will not colonize this place. There will be no cohabitation. Nothing. Ire tightened his jaw. “Why not?” He spread his arms wide. “This place is huge.” Gideon spoke quietly, more for Nick‟s benefit. “During the scans we took before landing, the only life signs we picked up were those of the indigenous animals.” Nick nodded. He turned back to the humanoid. “You have our 203

utmost respect.” His expression hardened. “But we came to stay.” You cannot inhabit a planet that does not exist. Nick curled his fists. “Are you insane?” The creature must have been a total loon. Everything around him screamed that the planet existed. “Stop speaking in riddles!” I am what you would call…a phantom planet. It cannot be inhabited. It is not real in the sense that you want it to be real. It appears in the form you want it to appear. It is nothing more. “So what?” Antonio said, fisting a handful of sand and letting it sprinkle back to the ground. “Phantom or not, it feels real. That‟s good enough for me.” He crossed his massive arms and glared. The planet is not safe for your kind. “Look, if you‟re trying to scare us away, it‟s not going to work. Earth is unlivable, and we need a new home. I‟m sure you don‟t want the death of billions on your conscience.” The others murmured their appreciation. The planet will drive you to this insanity of which you speak. Nick was about to retort when someone cried out, “What‟s that over there?” He turned toward the ocean, eyes widening in surprise. This development he hadn‟t expected. He couldn‟t comprehend the strange sight before him. Nevertheless, he struggled to absorb it. Streaks of black now stretched across the horizon, as though claws had shredded a painted canvas. The sun‟s light had gone mysteriously awry. Either the color spectrum here operated on a different level, or Nick had suddenly gone color-blind. Little dots began appearing, twinkling in the encroaching darkness. Twinkling. Like stars. Was it nighttime already? This planet completely foiled his expectations like nothing else in his life. Except maybe Raquel. “Gideon, what do you make of this?” 204

Once Upon a Time in Space The engineer stood with both hands gripping his head. “Beats the hell out of me.” “What‟s this bullshit you‟ve gotten us into, Venture?” Nick glared at Antonio. Despite the towering mass of grimacing muscle, an undertone of fear marked the pirate‟s voice. But he didn‟t have an answer, so Nick shook his head in response. Then another strange incident began to unfold. Around them, the perspective shifted, as though they had stepped into a prism. Abruptly, it reinstated itself. Nausea boiled in his gut. Regardless, he knew he had to ignore it. They had a mission to accomplish. Before any more time was wasted, they had to prepare a site for the first settlement. Nick had a responsibility to secure this planet in order to save the people of Earth. Steeling his shoulders, he realized his negotiation with the humanoid wasn‟t over. He refused to return to Earth empty handed. It wasn‟t an option. The bizarre display momentarily forgotten, Nick turned back to the planet‟s representative. “Look, we‟re not here to make trouble. We have to secure this planet. Billions of people are going to die if—” “Nick!” Janice ran up to him, extending a comm unit. “Raquel‟s standing by. It‟s urgent.” A quiet thrill went through him, but now was not the time to indulge his personal feelings. He held up the comm. “Raquel, it‟s Nick. Hold on a minute.” Janice grabbed his arm, but he pushed her away. He turned to the being with a measured stare. “I‟m sure we can come up with an equitable exchange— What the hell? Where are you?” The creature had disappeared. Nick rubbed his jaw while he struggled to remain calm. I know you can hear me. Why won‟t you answer? 205

As if in response, a thunderous boom rent the air, and the ground shook as if thrashing with fever. Colors jaunted wildly across the spectrum. South of them, half the beach dissolved into a black, impenetrable void. The ocean underwent a similar bizarre transformation. One minute, their feet sank into wet sand and foamy waves. The next, they stood dizzily on the edge of a cold, fathomless star field. Nick heard a cry. Glancing up, he saw one of the pirates violently slip, twist, and fall off the edge. He would never forget the expression of abject horror frozen on the man‟s face as he plummeted into the void. “Don‟t think you can scare us off that easily!” Nick‟s sudden outburst garnered a round of shocked expressions. Janice squeezed his arm tightly. “Nick, will you talk to her? Raquel said there‟s an emergency!” “Don‟t keep her waiting, Venture,” Antonio urged. Nick placed the comm to his ear. “Sorry. What is it?” “Nick, order everyone back to the shuttles and leave. Now.” “What? Why?” “There‟s something wrong with the planet. It‟s giving off strange readings. Right now it‟s fading from the radar screen, like it‟s vanishing. An inter-dimensional rift just opened, and the planet‟s heading straight for it. Maybe it has some kind of jump capability. Whatever the cause, if you don‟t leave immediately, you‟ll disappear from known space right along with it. Nick, you have to get out of there!” Though he appreciated the shrill concern that saturated her voice, he wasn‟t so easily swayed. “Raquel, I can‟t abandon the mission! Are you sure?” Static garbled her voice. “…only three minutes… take… hurry!” “Raquel? Raquel? You‟re breaking up. Oh, shit!” He stared at 206

Once Upon a Time in Space the unit in disbelief. The link had gone dead. Nick growled. Nothing was going right. Not their new paradise, not his relationship with Raquel, nothing. Resigned, he turned and shouted for everyone to make a run for the shuttles. The last hatch had barely closed when the ground suddenly seemed to give way beneath them. Not a cave-in. More like a dematerialization. Speaking was at a minimum, all energy now focused on lift-off. The shuttle engines strained to navigate within the chaotic energy field. Instruments proved unreliable, forcing each pilot to navigate by sight and instinct. Tense moments passed as the shuttles thrust into orbit, what was left of it. Shouting and arguments followed as the crew attempted to wade through the confusing readings. Having no expertise to offer, Nick felt angry as he braced against the forces battering the shuttle, pushing the safety harnesses to the utmost limits. How could everything have fallen apart so quickly? He should have handled matters differently. He should have stood up to Antonio and forbade any weapons. He should have overseen every aspect of the reconnaissance instead of lying on the beach for some jackass tan. He should have… he should have…. the remonstrations were endless. As he fixated over his shortcomings, one fact emerged sharper and clearer than the others. He had been the wrong person to lead this mission. Nick Venture had ruined everything for the entire human race. There would be no escaping an overpopulated, overused Earth. If he were lucky, this would all turn out to be a dream and he‟d wake up back in the jail cell. The strange notion gave him pause. Was that what he really wanted? Locked into a labor sentence where the only freedom came from death? A life without Raquel? 207

Then he realized these sad-sack thoughts were his way of avoiding the responsibility for his failures. A daunting thought arose: The Collective‟s calculations must have been wrong. For whatever unknown purpose, the phantom planet had fooled their instruments. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and defeat, then and there Nick chose a different path: He would keep searching for a suitable planet. It was the only choice. If the others joined him, so much the better. If not, he‟d find a way to make the journey alone. If that were the case, what about Raquel? Would she stay with him and join the cause, or disappear back into the sea of stars? The sick feeling pierced through him, down to the very core of his soul. Of course he would propose that she accompany him, but she was clearly dedicated to her own “obligations.” Her stubbornness perplexed him. What could be more important than Earth‟s future? Or their own, together? With a final jolt, the shuttle pulled free of the stormy energy field. A radio message confirmed that the other two had also cleared it intact. Faces slack with dismay, Nick and his companions watched the radar screen as the planet eventually disappeared, leaving absolutely no trace it had ever occupied those coordinates. A strangling silence gripped them at the loss. Nick decided he would call a meeting to announce his plan as soon as the shuttles landed. After boarding the Santa Maria, Nick reported to the bridge along with Twitch, Janice, and Gideon. No sooner had they arrived than Janice announced Lillian was contacting them with an urgent request for a conference call. Sitting in his chair, Nick rubbed his face, attempting to stem a rising tide of apprehension. What new 208

Once Upon a Time in Space danger lurked before them now? A moment later, the Pinta‟s captain came into view along with Sammy. Nick had difficulty translating Lillian‟s strange expression. Then she posed an equally disturbing question. “Darlin‟, you want the good news first, or the bad?”

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Chapter Sixteen Somehow, Nick coaxed his words past a leaden tongue. “The good news.” Twitch had been studying his console as the link was established. Now he glanced up from his screen. “Holy shit!” Lillian spoke up. “Now, Twitch, keep quiet. I won dibs, so I get to tell him.” “I wasn‟t here to bet, so it doesn‟t count. Nick, there‟s a—” “Shut up!” Lillian raised her voice to override the navigator‟s. “Nick, while you were gone, we took a little joyride around the neighborhood. Well, guess what we found?” She lowered her voice provocatively. “There‟s a habitable planet in this here sector.” Nick sat straight up. “What? Are you shitting me?” “Hell no, darlin‟, I would never do you like that. Just take a look at the readings, honey. I don‟t know what was cookin‟ with that planet we thought was there, but while y‟all were pussyfootin‟ around, we discovered the real Eden.” She snorted. “Let‟s hope it stays put this time.” The bridge buzzed with sound as everyone began discussing Lillian‟s news. She quickly yelled for silence, and this time she went right to the point. “The bad news is that it‟s being guarded by two Space Defense Corps battle cruisers. They‟ve set up a base on the surface. And something else is orbiting it, something we couldn‟t identify.” Her announcement immediately froze every word poised on every lip. Nick‟s chest constricted painfully. Damn it all to hell! Those cruisers would slaughter them all and end the mission but 210

Once Upon a Time in Space good. What are they doing here? Dr. Raj told me they didn‟t know. But obviously, the doctor had been wrong. Dead wrong. Unknotting his fists, he willed his panic to subside. Just start thinking about a plan. Twitch recovered first, although his face crawled with violent tics. “Hide. That‟s what we gotta do. We need time to plan.” He turned to Nick. “If you want our pirate lackeys to tag along, better have Janice relay the status.” Without waiting for Nick‟s acknowledgment, he directed his next question to Lillian. “Any ideas where we can stow the ships?” Lillian nodded. “There‟s an unoccupied moon out of their range.” Gideon spoke without taking his eyes from his console. “Nick, if you want to send one of the ships cloaked for recon, Sammy‟s the best there is.” Nick extended his hands. “Yes to everything!” He sighed inwardly. The startling appearance of the military was unfathomable. Nick felt guilty, as if he should have been able to predict this awful twist of events. He felt more like a burden than a captain. Funny how they still acted as if he were a leader worth following. Then he immediately berated himself. He had a choice here. Either retreat into a shell of loathing and self-doubt, or find a way to fill the shoes of his forefather. He chose the latter. It was time he stopped thinking about being a leader and just became one. Shortly a course was set for Eden‟s moon, and all five vessels aimed their prows toward safer waters. As soon as they arrived at the designated coordinates, Nick called for an emergency summit. He hoped they had time to act before it was too late. **** In the Santa Maria‟s ready room, Nick sat at the head of the 211

table, the scattered remains of a meal before him. Twitch and Lillian flanked him. Sammy and Gideon occupied adjoining seats, while Antonio and Raquel sat opposite them. Sammy was presenting his report. Over the past ten hours, the Niña‟s captain and his crew had obtained hundreds of images of Space Defense Corps activity on an unequivocally habitable planet. Nick stared at the screen detailing the recon data while Sammy continued to describe the most significant findings: A modestsized base in the northern hemisphere, two battle cruisers, and numerous military shuttles traversing the distance between them. When Sammy finished, a moment of silence followed. Driven by the urge to act, Nick broke in a firm, quiet voice. “So. The military has been holding out on us. Maybe the U.S. government, too, if not the whole damn United Nations.” Folding his arms, he glanced around at his companions. “That‟s just plain evil.” Antonio grunted. “That‟s the Space Defense Corps.” The room lapsed into silence again. Nick continued to process the unthinkable. A whole world kept secret... for how long? The discovery couldn‟t have been more catastrophic. Why was the Space Defense Corps here? He could only conclude they were hoarding it for the military brass, or Earth‟s rich and elite. It also bothered him greatly that Dr. Raj hadn‟t seemed to know about its presence here. Or had he? How could he not have known? Had he been lying when he said his military contact swore no one else had discovered Eden? Maybe he shouldn‟t have so easily trusted the doctor‟s altruistic motives. A disturbing thought arose. Were Nick and his allies pawns in a game of galactic chess? He desperately hoped not. Gut instinct had led him to believe 212

Once Upon a Time in Space Dr. Raj was worthy of trust. The chicanery must lie elsewhere. Regardless, he intended to make good on the promise of a new world to colonize, preferably without further military interference. “What about that other hunk of metal in orbit?” Lillian asked. “Looks like it cost a pretty penny or two.” At the time of the captured feed, the Niña had been too far away to obtain any decent images. They revealed nothing more than a hulking entity trapped in a murky nether region of space. Gideon appeared thoughtful, both hands nursing a cup of coffee. “It could be a mobile base, or a transport vessel of some sort. I hardly think our saintly former employer constructed a Noah‟s Ark for the fine citizens of Earth, but it‟s a thought that occurred to me based on the girth alone.” He took a long draw from his mug and then grimaced. “But if that‟s the case, why build it here?” His foreboding question hung in the air. Nick glanced at Raquel. She was leaning over the console and sifting through the data again. Searching for what, he couldn‟t tell. Staring at her profile, he had only a view of her good eye. Wondering how he had missed it earlier, he noticed how striking her eyelashes were. Long and dark and thick, they teased the senses with a slight hint of curl. Beautiful. Raquel‟s voice suddenly rang out, clear and low. “Sammy, were you able to ID the battle cruisers? I don‟t see the information here.” The Samoan swallowed his mouthful of food. A contrite expression flickered across his face. “We did, Miss Raquel. In my rush, I guess I forgot to put it in the report.” He wiped his mouth. “One is the Volador. The other is the Fitzcarraldo.” Nick‟s ears perked up as he studied her reaction. There was that name again. Raquel froze as she directed a piercing gaze at the Niña‟s 213

captain. “You sure about that? About the Fitzcarraldo?” Sammy nodded solemnly. “Yes, ma‟am.” Raquel passed a knowing glance to Antonio, who nodded gravely in return. Under the table, Nick dug the knuckles of a fist into his thigh. Dammit! What is going on here? “The Fitzcarraldo seems like an important ship to you pirates. Care to level with the rest of us?” He addressed them both, but his gaze fell upon Raquel. Leaning back, she shut her good eye and crossed her arms. She was retreating again behind that wall of hers, a place of shadows where he couldn‟t follow. Nick was about to press for an answer when Twitch piped up. “Your business is your business, but ours is about figuring out a plan here.” Then the navigator tugged three times on a lock of hair. Nick sighed. He knew Twitch‟s comment was partially for his benefit. Hmm. Probably only for his benefit. Focus on the mission. “All right.” He folded his arms again as he gathered his thoughts. “It seems like we have two choices here. Fight for the planet, or return home and see what Dr. Raj wants to do.” He paused for emphasis. “I vote we take back what rightfully belongs to the people of Earth.” “Right behind you, Nick,” Twitch said. Antonio cracked a few knuckles. “I could use a good skirmish. Not to mention a sweet chunk of beachfront property.” He stared pointedly in Nick‟s direction. “This world isn‟t going to disappear on us, too, is it, Venture?” Nick eyed him stonily. “It‟s a risk we‟ll have to take.” Sammy murmured his approval, but Lillian frowned. “Don‟t get me wrong,” she said, “but I think caution is in order here. If y‟all will kindly recall, we‟re out-armed. Nick, in case you didn‟t know, 214

Once Upon a Time in Space those battle cruisers are Hercules class vessels. It means they‟re gussied up with artillery to the hilt. There ain‟t a more powerful ship than that. And that base has so many armaments I lost count. Our chances of winning are about as good as a blind man in a viper pit.” Twitch threw up his hands. “C‟mon, grandma, show some backbone for cryin‟ out loud! The whole future of Earth is at stake here.” Lillian snarled. “Call me that one more time, you little weasel, an‟I‟mgonnastranglethatbonylittleneckofyours!” She stood, bosom heaving, and jabbed a finger at him. “How dare you question my loyalty! I‟m just recommending a little caution here, understand?” Brother, you two, not again. Nick cast a glance toward the pirates. Raquel had sunk further into her seat, but Antonio was watching the exchange with a predatory grin, apparently excited at the prospect of a fight breaking out. Nick had to take control immediately. He stuck out an arm. “Easy, Lillian. You‟re right to advise caution.” He turned to the man on his right. “Twitch, you owe her an apology.” “What for? I was just encouraging her to be more positive.” Muttering, the Pinta‟s captain resumed her seat. “Goddamn it, Kaufman, I am so sick of your mouth.” Twitch shrugged noncommittally, but said nothing further. At that moment, Raquel‟s eye flashed open. “I‟ll handle the battle cruisers,” she said ominously. “Antonio can escort you to the planet‟s surface and help you take out the base.” Nick snapped his gaze in her direction. Every protective instinct he possessed kicked into high gear. “Absolutely not.” The temperature in the room seemed to drop precipitously as Raquel leveled a withering gaze at him. Nick refused to be intimidated. The ambient sounds of the room 215

faded away as they stared at one another. It was almost a deferential silence, as if no one else but the two of them existed in the universe. Determinedly, Nick maintained eye contact. Something dire lurked just beneath the surface of her enticing, yet stoic features. If he was to discover the truth about Raquel, he couldn‟t afford to lose himself in the tumbling mass of her dark hair, or the way her crossed arms pushed her generous breasts together. What are you hiding, he wanted to ask. Why take such a risk? As if discerning his thoughts, Raquel‟s lips parted slightly as a low sigh escaped. Then she lowered her gaze. Nick continued to watch her intently, the others in the room momentarily forgotten. Christ, was she ever going to answer him? Whatever plagued her, whatever deep misery made her heart so heavy, he intended to coax it from her as soon as the meeting wrapped. Antonio shot her a concerned glance. “Even though the Melody Shae is a titan among vessels,” he said, without a hint of irony, “it doesn‟t have a fraction of the Deathraven‟s firepower. Trust me, Raquel‟s got you covered.” Nick shook his head. “We should face the military threat as a team. Our ships are equipped with torpedoes—” “Those would best be used on the base.” Lillian patted Nick‟s shoulder. “Sorry, darlin‟. I know what you‟re thinking, but Antonio‟s right. It‟s better if we split up. Besides, Raquel‟s a big girl, and if she says she can take care of the cruisers, we should give her our blessing.” The brawny Italian pirate stared at her approvingly. “Nice rack of common sense you got there…darlin‟.” He garnished the comment with a salacious wink. Lillian blushed and started to fan herself. 216

Once Upon a Time in Space A throat cleared. Heads turned as Sammy raised a hand for attention. “If you want, Nick, we could cloak all three ships, sail past the cruisers, and then de-cloak as a diversion. That way, the Deathraven can jump into position and catch them by surprise.” Nick still didn‟t care for Raquel‟s plan, but he was outnumbered. Still, any advantage they could provide her could only help. He nodded. “Sammy, that is a fuckin‟ first class plan,” Twitch said, punching his comrade in the shoulder. The Samoan responded with a mock “Ow, that hurt!” They spent the next hour discussing attack positions and mapping out coordinates. Antonio said he‟d deliver a sufficient number of hand weapons and protection gear. Nick appointed a time to begin the attack. In eighteen hours, they would all embark on the biggest gamble of their lives. The business concluded, they rose to leave. Antonio stood at the same time as Lillian. Catching her eye, he motioned to her. As she approached, his voice turned husky. “Darlin‟, I need me some good luck.” Then he cradled her head with both of his large hands and planted a long, sultry kiss square on her lips. Six-feet-plus of raw, pure masculine power assaulted her with unabashed lust. Lillian closed her eyes in an obvious case of pure bliss, and when the pirate dropped one of his hands to her shoulder, she forced it down to her breast. Gideon had already left, but Sammy stayed to openly gape. With a look of utter dismay, Twitch clutched his stomach. “I think I‟m going to be sick,” he muttered. Turning his head to one side, he added a retching sound for effect. When the kiss ended, Lillian turned a deep shade of crimson. “Uncle…goddamn!” She stared at Antonio‟s back as he swaggered from the room and started to fan herself. “No offense, Nick.” 217

“None taken.” Nick couldn‟t help but grin, but it faded fast as he spotted Raquel darting from the room. Immediately he followed her, pouring all his energy into his stride. She moved so quickly he had to run down the corridor. Just as she reached the midship lift, he caught up with her. “Raquel, wait!” She ignored him. “Raquel, please wait!” He stood closely by her side as she jammed the console pad hard enough to break it. “We need to talk.” “Leave me alone. I have a job to do.” The lift door opened and she plunged inside. Nick followed closely. Before she had a chance to direct the lift to the docking bay, he grabbed the nearest of her arms and shoved her behind him. When the door closed, he directed the lift to take them to the captain‟s quarters. The force with which she resisted conveyed how much strength was concealed beneath her clingy black shipsuit. Even using the broadness of his body to maximum effect, he had to employ a good deal of muscle power to keep her from the key pad. Naturally, the struggle only reminded him of why he found her so attractive. The way she pounded and pushed and scrabbled at him induced a rush of adrenaline. Her punches were hard, but her body felt soft. The alternating sensations caused decidedly inappropriate fantasies, such as ripping off her shipsuit and fucking her right there in the lift. But Nick pushed them aside. Survival came first. “Damn it, Venture, what are you doing?” “I might ask you the same question.” His gaze latched onto her face and refused to let go. “In fact, that‟s exactly what I‟m doing.” They exchanged fiery glares. When the door slid open, he pulled her firmly by the arm into his quarters. He might have been 218

Once Upon a Time in Space hurting her in the process, but he was too much in love and fearful for her safety to care. “Stop it! There‟s not enough time. I have to take out the Fitzcarraldo. Nick, let me go!” He released her, but only when the door had sealed shut and he was blocking her only escape. He challenged her with a tenacious stare. “What is it with you and the Fitzcarraldo? Is there something between you and Admiral Huston?” Her eye flashed with anger. “What‟s it to you? He‟s in the way, and I‟m helping you get your planet. What more do you want?” Nick grabbed her shoulders as she struggled to push past him. They tussled, although he sensed she wasn‟t trying very hard or opposing him with her true strength. Despite the frustration fueled by her evasive actions, his blood spiked with a surging lust. The way her body pitched against his created a friction so sensitizing that a wave of pleasurable heat rushed to his groin. He spoke forcefully, akin to a growl. “I want you to level with me.” Raquel stopped moving, her breath ragged against his neck. “Is that all?” Nick paused, considering all the ramifications his answer would have. “For the moment, yes.” Nearly entwined, they were both flushed and breathing hard. A wayward strand of her silky black hair clung to his cheek. He was suddenly aware that his thumb rested against one of her breasts. Glancing down, he noticed that their hips were almost touching. Longing made his eyelids heavy. Blood heated and expanded throughout his body, stirring appetites in ways he had never imagined possible. Dare he act on them? He wanted answers, but…. Raquel must have felt something, too, for she pulled away. Not, however, before allowing a hand to linger briefly against his 219

abdomen. Smoothing her hair, she said, “Are you going to offer me a seat?” “Yeah. Of course. Here.” Nick rushed to swivel the chairs so that they faced each other. He gestured for her to sit first. Once seated, Raquel folded her hands on the table‟s surface. “I suppose after all you‟ve done, you‟ve earned a right to know. I‟ll begin with a bit of a history lesson. Are you familiar with the Advocates For Expansion?” “Their tenacity isn‟t easy to forget.” “Well, I used to be a member. Actually, my whole family was heavily involved, because my father was president of the U.S. Western Division.” Nick softened his gaze. “Was?” Raquel slowly nodded. “He‟s been dead for seven years.” She briefly cleared her throat before continuing. “David Donovan was a prominent activist. He lived for the A.F.E.. My mother, sister, and I supported him without question.” She studied her hands. “It was an intense, exhilarating time. We knew we were doing something important, even if the rest of the world thought we were loons.” “Were you worried it was a lost cause?” Raquel shook her head. “Never.” “Why?” “Because there‟s been so much suffering since Earth began its crumbling limp toward death. My father taught my sister and me that it was our duty to influence a change in how people think. He‟d always say, „Change how one person thinks, and you can change the world.‟” She paused for a long moment before continuing. “My dad was one of the most vocal members. At first, he became a lobbyist, trying to influence the vote for the colonization funding bill. In 220

Once Upon a Time in Space fact, he felt so strongly about it that he ran for Senate. When he won, we were completely surprised. The A.F.E. had been trying to get that bill passed for decades. Needless to say, because of my father‟s death, they‟re still trying.” Nick frowned. “I don‟t understand something. If this was your father‟s life mission, your family‟s mission, why did you try and stop us? I told you what we were doing. It was the A.F.E.‟s dream dropped right in your lap.” Raquel nodded. “I‟m getting to that. At the time, my father‟s Senate win marked a major victory.” A weary look planted itself on her face. “Eden might have been colonized by now if the future had been allowed its due course. But one man opposed the A.F.E. so intensely that he resorted to extreme lengths. Unfortunately, my father minimized the threat, choosing to concentrate on bigger issues.” Raquel stood and walked the short distance to stare out the small view port. “It made him a target. It made our whole family a target.” “Who is the man, Raquel?” Nick had a suspicious feeling he already knew. Her head gave a quarter turn. “Admiral Benjamin C. Huston.” Nick remained silent, both to absorb the unsettling revelation and to show her he was still listening. Raquel resumed her seat. “Though he orchestrated events from the shadows, Huston and his cronies succeeded in smearing our reputation with repeated accusations that we were pirates only interested in plundering Earth‟s dwindling resources. Lies, of course. But conflating the A.F.E. with pirates gave those in power an excuse to suppress us.” Nick had no choice but to ask. “How?” “Huston decided to make a public example of what happened to 221

anyone who tried to interfere with the Corps. My family was that example.” Nick leaned forward with growing dread. “What do you mean?” She inhaled deeply. “On the day my father was to be sworn into the Senate, Huston had my whole family arrested. I had just turned eighteen.” Her slender hands spiraled into fists. “We were arrested on trumped-up charges. Treason. Conspiracy acts. Illegal protests. Of course, it was all bullshit.” “Raquel, that‟s terrible.” “There‟s more. Huston‟s status allowed him to bypass the usual legal safeguards. By the time anyone in a position to question the arrest discovered his actions, it was too late.” Now both of her fists visibly trembled. Nick longed to take them into his own. But an intimate move seemed ill-timed at the moment, and he didn‟t want to risk her retreating into that shell of hers again. Still, he sensed there was more to her story. “What happened after the arrest?” She crossed her arms, the gesture of a young woman trying to keep some hellish memory at bay. “He ordered us brought to a classified military location. It had all the latest technological equipment, but we couldn‟t tell what any of it was for. Well, we were about to find out. “My parents and sister were escorted to a bare, antiseptic room. I was forced into another, shackled and flanked by armed men. Oddly enough, neither my parents nor my sister were bound. They were free to move about the room. Even stranger, we could all see each other through a clear partition. “Then Huston appeared by my side. Pointing to a console, he showed me two codes on the screen. He explained that entering one of them would release my parents and sister from the room, freeing them. 222

Once Upon a Time in Space “The other code….” Nick could tell by her compressed lips how strongly she fought to maintain composure. “What about the other code?” “It…would release a deadly gas into the chamber. Huston said I didn‟t have to enter either code, but if I didn‟t, he‟d have us all executed on the spot in one minute.” She visibly swallowed. “Well, I had to try. Wouldn‟t you?” Nick nodded sympathetically. “When I told him I‟d take the chance, he said to me, „Choose wisely.‟ Then he left.” An anguished look had a stranglehold on her features, as though her skin were stretched over spikes. Eye averted, she spoke in a voice so low it was barely perceptible. “I chose the wrong code.” Nick felt as though his lungs had suddenly constricted shut. My God! “Are you saying—” “That I killed my family? Yes.” She rubbed her eye patch. “And I had to stand there, watching, waiting for the end. I‟ll never forget how they looked at me. They had love in their eyes, even though I had perpetrated the most terrible act possible.” She turned her head and spat. “Love for a murderer! At that point, I didn‟t deserve any.” “But Raquel, you were trying to save them.” She held up a hand for silence. “Wait. It gets better. Huston charged me with murder and had me sentenced for life. They shipped me up to Sing Sing, but on the way, the unexpected occurred. Something Huston with all of his spies and technological tentacles couldn‟t have foreseen. Antonio and his gang hijacked the ship.” Her lips crooked into an odd smile. “It was an unbelievable reversal of fortune. I begged him to apprentice me. I offered to be his lover, anything to avoid incarceration in a satellite penitentiary. That‟s how I became a pirate. Nick, no matter what 223

you think about Antonio, I owe him my life. He gave me a second chance when I had no one else to depend on. When I had lost everyone I loved more than life itself.” Nick could only stare. Love and sympathy welled up within him, a potent mix that left him reeling. Her revelations uncorked other emotions. Resentment. Anger. Sadness. What kind of cesspool had the Space Defense Corps devolved into? No wonder life on Earth was such hell. He appreciated the Collective‟s efforts with far greater depth now. As he studied the wounded woman before him, he thought he detected a glistening in her good eye. Everything about her made sense now, especially why she was so tortured. “Raquel, I… I‟m sorry that happened to you.” He covered her slender, cool hands with his large warm ones. “That was a horrible thing Huston did to you. To your family. I‟m sorry.” To his amazement, she left her hands beneath his as she continued. “While I was getting my space legs, Huston amassed more power. He commands the Fitzcarraldo, and he probably oversees the operations on Eden as well.” Raquel sighed and closed her eye. “So. There‟s your explanation. And that‟s why I have to kill him.” She pulled away and stood. “What?” Nick stared at her in astonishment. “Is that what you‟ve been after all this time?” She spoke over her shoulder. “Yes. And avenging my family starts now.” Then she headed for the lift. Damn it! Nick leaped up and grabbed her right arm tightly, as if she could simply fade away before him. “Raquel, listen to me.” He caught her other arm and forced her to face him, holding her closely against his chest. “If Huston is as crazy as you say, this sounds like a war you can‟t survive.” She stopped twisting in his grasp and shot him a wild, desperate 224

Once Upon a Time in Space look. “Why would I want to?”

225

Chapter Seventeen Nick had a look of such utter dejection that it melted Raquel‟s heart. The one she thought had been frozen forever. As soon as the words left her mouth, she knew she hadn‟t spoken the entire truth. Or rather, the truth had changed when Nick Venture entered her life. The realization gave her pause, because she hadn‟t wanted to admit it until that moment. A slow, strange evolution had begun inside her the day they met. Perhaps there was a reason to go on after Huston was nothing but cosmic dust. A possibility arose that she might survive… for Nick. But she wouldn‟t tell him that. She absolutely mustn‟t. If she died, her soul couldn‟t live with the guilt. She knew she should say something comforting, but it felt more difficult than learning a new language. Nevertheless, she struggled to find the appropriate words. “Nick, it‟s not… it‟s not that I have a death wish. It‟s just that I‟ve done so many horrible acts in the name of revenge. I don‟t deserve to live.” “Stop saying things like that!” Hazel eyes spilled over with love, pleading with her. He squeezed both her arms so hard it began to hurt. If any other man had dared handle her this way, he would have been dead before hitting the floor. But with Nick, it was different. Raquel discovered that she liked this kind of hurt. She was beginning to understand it. This man‟s feelings were so transparent. So uncomplicated! He wanted her alive, even risking her wrath to ensure her safety. How exactly did he motivate her to talk about secrets she wanted to conceal? Never mind the 226

Once Upon a Time in Space temptation of a life with him. She immediately deleted the thought, because to risk that kind of closeness meant she‟d inevitably lose him, or cause him more pain. It was a fact of her existence. All right. So she would probably never see him again. But there was still time for one last… encounter. At least she could deliver one final gift before leaving. Determination rose once again inside her. They didn‟t call her the Siren for nothing. Raquel relaxed against him. Slowly, she raised her head to meet his gaze. “Nick, you‟re right. I should be saying thank you. If it weren‟t for your dedication, I‟d have searched a lot longer for that bastard.” Gently, she placed both hands against his broad, firm chest. With slow, deliberate movement, she caressed him, memorizing every hard muscle, the warmth of his body, the texture of his clothing. She would never forget his scent, so woodsy and rich. As he leaned into her touch, it crashed against her like a wave and she was drowning in it. Easing her hands upward, she felt him shudder beneath her palms. His chest expanded impossibly wide with long breaths that expelled in hot gushes against her cheek. As her arms encircled his neck, she tilted her head and drew him closer. “So,” she murmured, “thank you.” Then she took part of his lower lip between hers, just a taste, a little to tease him. She wanted to test his hunger. But the act ignited hers instead. Unable to hold back, she kissed him fully, wetly. When his lips parted to accept her offering, all Raquel could taste was liquid fire. She fisted locks of his thick, tawny hair while his mouth consumed hers in flashes of heat. Now he encircled her tightly within his warm, solid arms, nearly crushing her torso. From beneath an eyelid drowsy with lust, Raquel drank in the 227

sight of him while pondering this strange connection they seemed to have. Was something wrong with her, that she felt so good in his arms? She didn‟t doubt it. Nick exuded a purity of strength and spirit that other men lacked. It made him… desirable. But did she have any right to be here enjoying the kisses and touches he gave so freely? She was an outlaw, a murderer. Now he knew the horrid truth about her, how she had executed her own family. She had nearly killed him and his crew, yet he clutched at her and growled with such primal longing that it was almost as if he really did love her. What did he see in her? A moan escaped her, then two, then three. His probing, roaming hands had caught her by surprise. First, his fingertips brushed her cheeks before starting a gentle massage on her neck beneath the ascot. Then he slid his hands around to the small of her back, kneading and stroking the yielding material of her shipsuit. Though fully clothed, she felt deliciously naked in his embrace. She twisted with pleasure as she shamelessly rubbed against the corded muscles of his torso and thighs. She wanted to expose every last inch of her body to his bold caresses. With a sudden heave, he pushed her back. Where? What was he doing? For the first time in her life, Raquel swooned. A feral gleam in his eyes, Nick pinned her against a bulkhead. She gasped at the unexpected jolt. Not surprisingly, his action summoned a rush of blood that made her skin tingle and her sex pulse even more hotly than she thought possible. Still, they kissed, sometimes gingerly as if each was a statue of delicate glass, and other times so hard it bruised the tender flesh of lips and tongues. It was a lovely rhythm, and she didn‟t want it to stop, ever. Nick palmed one of her breasts. He squeezed it gently at first, and then with increasing pressure. In swift response, the nipple hardened. Its twin answered the call, swelling with mirrored ache 228

Once Upon a Time in Space and need. Thoughts swam at the prospect of what his mouth could accomplish with her burning peaks. Closer. She needed him closer! She pulled him so tightly against her she feared he would break. But no, not Nick! He proved how unbreakable he was when he pushed apart her legs. Then he rolled his hips forward, grinding with exquisite precision against the plump flesh between her thighs. While his mouth recklessly assaulted hers, his rigid length somehow wedged itself among her slick folds. She could feel him even through his clothing. Thick. Hot. Electrifying. The deeper he tunneled, the tighter the pleasure coiled within her. This was an itch of an entirely different beast, creating an addictive tension that thirsted for release. Could he feel her wetness through her clothing? Excitement mounted as she realized how thin the fabric actually was, so thin he could burst through at any moment and slide right into her. The thought ambushed her with so much desire she opened her mouth wider, engulfing as much of his tongue as he could thrust into her. Moisture ran from their swollen, heated orifices, flooding their lips and chins. Raquel clutched at him, and he her. She realized their passion could soar higher, much higher than she originally intended. Their bodies fit together so perfectly. She didn‟t want it to end. But, end it must. No! screamed the lonely, vulnerable woman inside her. But Raquel strangled her into silence. The crime against her family demanded justice. Much as she craved a relationship with Nick, her parents and sister needed her more. Oh! Now something different was happening: He was dragging her to the bed. If she wasn‟t careful, she‟d soon be submitting to anything he wanted. This was her only chance. Just before he 229

could angle her against the bed, Raquel grasped both of his cheeks and delivered one final, deep, sultry kiss. A kiss to last him the rest of his life. When he was at his most relaxed and vulnerable, she withdrew from his embrace and pushed him away. Her body cried out in protest, down to the last cell. Her mind, however, dictated otherwise. Go! Go now. You have to leave. It‟s best that way. Nick seized her hand, suddenly aware of her intention. The lust in his face was quickly supplanted by pain. “Raquel, please don‟t do this. We can find another way, together. I‟ll help you. Just please don‟t do this alone.” She had half a mind to pull her gun, but immediately decided against it. He knew her too well by now. He would never fear her again. Rather than disappointment, she felt gratitude. She let her hand go completely slack as she inched away. “I know you mean well. But Nick, if you really love me, you won‟t interfere.” With one last lingering touch, he let go. There. She had said the magic words. Raquel exited the cabin, risking one final glance back. Immediately, she regretted doing so. The expression of infinite heartbreak she saw on Nick‟s face as the lift door slid shut would haunt her for years, if she lived to recall it. She felt a familiar ache pierce her heart. Goodbye, Nick. As she descended, hurtling toward destiny, Raquel bit down so hard on the knuckles of her right hand that she drew blood. Now she could add one more person to her endless list of casualties. Or two, if she counted herself. **** “We‟ll be engaging a Hercules class battle cruiser. You know what that means. If you want to leave, now‟s your chance.” The words completed Raquel‟s briefing to her entire crew as she 230

Once Upon a Time in Space regarded them sternly from the captain‟s chair. Each man and woman stared back, some with neutral expressions, some fearful and dour. Others appeared disturbingly ruthless in their anticipation of bloodshed. Within the hour, the Deathraven would move into position, ready to jump at her command. All of them except Smiley thought they were targeting the Space Defense Corps vessels in order to win the planet. They were only partly right in that assumption. Guilt ran through her. They were good men and women, all, despite their hardcore natures, and she was about to sacrifice many of them, if not the entire lot, for her own vendetta. Surely, for that alone, she would burn in hell. The flare of a phantom itch chased the thought, but Raquel refused to let her body betray her purpose. On the other hand, she recalled, they had chosen the pirate way of life. They were hardly strangers to death. The rewards, when they came, were occasionally staggering in scope. “Eden,” as Nick and his comrades were fond of calling it, was something beyond sublime. It probably accounted for the fact that no one chose to leave. Not a muscle twitched, nor was a question asked. Not even Smiley made a move to leave, and he knew the truth. Good. Raquel felt immensely gratified. The loyalty she had painstakingly cultivated had finally ripened. Now it waited for her to pluck and eat. She waited thirty more seconds, a chance for them to reconsider. When it became clear none of them had any intention of jumping ship, she ordered them all to battle stations. As her crew raced to their positions, Raquel briefly searched her feelings and discovered she felt strangely hollow. For years, she had thought this defining moment was going to fill her with satisfaction, or at least a sense of closure. Even though she now 231

perched on the cusp of her life‟s goal, the search yielded nothing, not even a glimmer of relief. She tightened her ascot. Perhaps it was too soon to know. An undercurrent of raw excitement ran through her crew, however. It was palpable in the razor-edged way they spoke and moved. Even the Deathraven, from her oscillating tach drive to the purring hum of the grav units, seemed to manifest a hunger for action, for battle, and for victory. Raquel oversaw the systems check with bated breath, silently reviewing her message to Admiral Bastard a few more times. “All systems go,” announced Norris about twenty minutes later. “Proceed,” Raquel ordered. The Deathraven emerged from its hiding space, the Melody Shae at her heels. With a smooth forward thrust, it quickly gained speed. Preparations began almost immediately for a jump to the vicinity of the battle cruisers. The slap of anxiety caught her by surprise. Bile rose in her throat as her stomach tightened. She visualized Huston‟s cold, unforgiving face in order to steel her resolve. I‟m coming for you. At long, long last, I‟m coming for you! A short while later, the first prearranged signal arrived. Cloaked and hidden, the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria were passing just beyond the battle cruisers and heading toward Eden. No sooner had the report filtered in when Fenton called out for her attention. “No one‟s responded to my inquiries yet, but I overheard some chatter. There‟s some kind of problem with the Pinta.” A jolt of worry made her stomach constrict even more tightly. At this point, however, any distraction threatened sure death. She had to assume Nick and his ships could fend for themselves. “Fenton, I want your efforts focused on one thing and one thing 232

Once Upon a Time in Space only. Raising the Fitzcarraldo. When we get there, I need an audience with Admiral Benjamin Huston.” She tapped a few commands on the screen. “I want you to send this message.” While reviewing it, he appeared a little confused, but promptly obeyed. “Aye, Cap‟n,” he said without further questions. “Initiating countdown to jump,” Norris announced. Harnesses were yanked tight and the mood grew pensive as the Deathraven prepared to slip into subspace, closing the distance between her and the Fitzcarraldo with almost frightening speed. Raquel gripped her armrests, but for this particular jump, she decided to keep her good eye open and on the highest alert. Even so, she felt violently ill. It took all her willpower to avoid retching into her lap. Jumps covering the shortest distances were always the worst. When the Deathraven emerged at the designated coordinates, the crew lay under the usual blanket of disorientation. As normal sight and hearing returned, they quickly recovered their bearings. Raquel undid her harness, barely reacting as alarms ricocheted across the bridge. The battle cruisers had spotted them. No surprise there. This was it. Time to paint the surrounding area red with vengeance. The Melody Shae transmitted the all clear. Moments later, the colossal ship veered off the Deathraven‟s course and turned its prow toward Eden. As Fenton immediately began the process of raising the Fitcarraldo, Vojtech called out a report. This one sounded downright confusing. It was the Pinta again. Apparently, Lillian‟s ship was under attack. Raquel‟s gaze zipped across the screen before her, analyzing the incoming data. The Volador was the apparent culprit. Then she did a double-take. The Pinta was under attack? 233

She must have de-cloaked too soon. Perspiration beaded on her forehead, and she wiped it roughly away. Damn. Could her bad eye itch any more fiercely? Despite the misery, she left it alone. Vojtech had trained his gaze on her, apparently expecting an order. “Ignore them,” she ordered. “We have a job to do.” He shrugged and returned to his console. The Fitcarraldo loomed before them, a behemoth startling in its size compared to her junk. If the Deathraven was the size of a child‟s fist, Huston‟s ship was an adult male. Having second thoughts? She shook her head in an effort to quell the rising doubt. She had rehearsed the pending confrontation with Huston so many times it was in her blood. Now it was time for a purge. The face-off would be real, but at what cost? It sickened her, the lengths to which she had gone for this chance at vindication. Raquel felt her last bit of hope swallowed up by darkness, and it left her with a heavy heart. The driving need for revenge had transformed her into something less than human. This was the reason she‟d had to let Nick go. She was no good for him. If she survived, she‟d have to disappear and retreat into a corner of space so remote that he could never find her again. Besides, there was no other, better decision she could make in order to protect him. Protect him from her. It couldn‟t redeem all of her misdeeds, but perhaps it would be a start. Damn it all to hell! Huston had ruined so many lives. The asshole was going to pay and pay good. So far, the ploy seemed to be working, except for the matter of the Pinta. As her crew fielded reports, Raquel became aware that the exploration vessel had incurred heavy damages. Part of her was sorely tempted to unleash a volley of cannon fire toward the Volador in retaliation. But the sooner she accomplished her mission, the sooner the attacks would end. 234

Once Upon a Time in Space The order to surrender came swiftly. That too, was expected. Raquel instructed her crew to ignore it. She was banking on the assumption that Huston was as arrogant as she remembered. Such a salvo as she had lobbed through the hail would surely intrigue him enough to give her an audience. Fenton then reported that he had successfully contacted the Fitzcarraldo, and that Huston was standing by in response to her message. Her gamble had worked. “Switching to the main screen,” Fenton announced. Straightening in her seat, Raquel took one of the deepest breaths of her life. So it begins… and ends. For once, she felt comfortable inhabiting the role she had been playing for the past seven years. Relished it. She set her lips into a thin line of malice and leveled her gaze at the screen. It was all she could do to prevent herself from retching. There he was. Admiral Huston‟s image appeared, seated in his command chair. The aquiline nose, the harsh features, and the gray, all-tooperfectly-coiffed head of hair incited a growl deep in her throat. In nearly a decade, he had changed hardly at all. Villains rarely do. The stiff lines of his blue-and white uniform barely shifted as he spoke. “That was a bogus message,” he began, his voice deceptively even. “You‟re not David Donovan.” Raquel answered with a chilling countenance. “How astute, Admiral. I‟m not.” She paused for emphasis. “Only someone with a guilty conscience and a coward‟s heart would believe he‟s somehow still alive.” His lips peeled back in a barely contained snarl of contempt. “Ah. You‟re...The Siren, I presume. How quaint. I‟m aware you‟ve been chasing after me for some time. You went about it so very… subtly.” He gestured sharply to someone off screen. The image 235

adjusted to reveal Captain Jacobs by his side, his right eye still bearing the ravages of Smiley‟s extraction. You lying son of a bitch! Raquel wanted to scream. Only her desire to see Huston writhing in agony stayed it. Would that she possessed arms of steel! She‟d reach through the hull and rip out Jacobs‟s remaining eye, blinding him forever. The Torrent‟s captain had to have known about Huston‟s location. Now it seemed he had classified knowledge of Eden as well. Raquel gritted her teeth. She was going to put an end to this corrupt, diseased parody of a space navy even if it meant her life. Earth deserved nothing less. Oblivious to her agitation, Huston continued. “We‟ve had absolutely enough of your shenanigans.” He jabbed a finger at her while his voice rumbled ominously. “For all of your abhorrent crimes, you have overwhelmingly earned the execution we‟re about to carry out.” Raquel narrowed her eye. “That‟s where you‟re wrong. It all points back to you, Admiral. You killed my father. You killed my whole family. I‟m here to return the favor.” Huston stared at her for a solid ten seconds before responding, his expression inscrutable. “No, my dear Raquel. Raquel, is it not? Make no mistake. You killed your family. It‟s all fully documented.” His mouth formed a crooked smile, as if he didn‟t have much practice or inclination. “But I‟ll let you in on a little secret,” he said, voice lowering. “Just between you and me, hmm? Both codes were rigged to release the gas.” Then he paused, eyes dark and glinting, studying her reaction. Raquel‟s blood ran cold, colder than a derelict ship in the belly of a black hole. Composure came at the cost of scorching sweat that shot down her left temple and a wrenching pain as her neck muscles 236

Once Upon a Time in Space tightened into stone. “Are you saying they would‟ve ended up dead no matter how hard I tried to save them?” The dam broke. The guilt and pain were too much to bear. She raised a clenched fist and shouted, heedless of anyone else by now. “You goddamn motherfucking bastard! You gave me false hope!” Both codes! Both would have ended in their deaths! What was wrong with her? She hadn‟t even so much as questioned it. What a moron she had been, to believe that he would have set them free. At least if she had questioned, she could have died by her father‟s side and in her mother‟s embrace. Raquel remembered with sudden clarity the unbearable agony of her choice. It had felt so much more devastating given that she had all of sixty seconds in which to decide their fate. She remembered the way she had searched for hidden meaning in the codes where none existed. She remembered pleading with her guards, even offering them her body in exchange for the life-saving code. She cringed at the memory of the lewd acts she had promised, hoping to entice them. Huston had probably been watching. Listening. She was sure he had savored her desperation with all the voraciousness of a leech. In the end, it had all been for nothing. Nothing! Although she was forced into the situation under duress, she had blamed herself ever since. All that time. For bloody years. Guilt and regret over having made the wrong choice had been the stuff of countless nightmares and self-flagellation ending in rivers of blood. Even with this new information, part of her would always hold herself responsible. But it gave her even deeper insight into what a monster the Admiral was. No wonder she hated him with such vehemence. She had to destroy him. Destroy him so completely that the memory of his person was obliterated from the universe—past, 237

present, and future. He waved a dismissive hand. “Yes, well, be that as it may, I‟m finished with this nonsense.” He cut the link. “I‟m not finished! How fucking dare you!” But he couldn‟t hear her. Raquel gulped several deep breaths to recover her composure. The Deathraven was at an enormous strategic disadvantage, and it would behoove her to start executing the battle plan. Alvarez spoke up before she had a moment to collect her thoughts. “Captain, readings show a massive energy buildup, and the Fitzcarraldo just unveiled a mighty big cannon.” “What?” Raquel raked her gaze across her screen. Shit. She was supposed to be at the top of her game. How could defeat have cornered her so quickly? Then she remembered that that was Admiral Huston‟s modus operandi. He was the master of manipulation. Raquel had only her ingenuity upon which to rely, and her hate. Orders flew from her mouth, making the crew jump. Over the years, she had spent countless hours envisioning attack scenarios from every possible angle. She had memorized with absolute certainty the configurations of a Hercules class battle cruiser. She knew which torpedo would cause a certain type of damage to the hull, or where pulse laser cannons would have the most deleterious impact. Despite her arduous research, she hadn‟t counted on this new cannon. The specs alone revealed it wasn‟t standard military artillery. Huston must have designed it uniquely for his own vessel. It figured. But Raquel wasn‟t about to let her terror show. She was the quintessential picture of calm—but deadly—determination. The Deathraven shot toward the Fitzcarraldo and began its 238

Once Upon a Time in Space final journey, to fulfill the purpose for which it had been born. Raquel stood then, a trembling tower of adrenaline. She was ready to run the ship by herself if it came down to that, because nothing less than Huston‟s explosive, fiery death would quell the demons inside her, ravenous for justice. Pray for mercy! Pray hard, you fucking bastard, because I‟ve sold my soul to the Devil, and there is no God to hear you scream!

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Chapter Eighteen It had seemed like the perfect plan. How, then, had it gone so terribly wrong? Two hours earlier, the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria had emerged from the far side of Eden‟s moon. Cloaked, they headed for the planet, little more than specters drifting through Hades. After bypassing the battle cruisers, they would de-cloak and descend to the planet‟s surface. Simple enough, right? As the three ships passed less than a kilometer away from the Volador, a subdued mood gripped the bridge. Nick sat restlessly in the captain‟s chair, observing the nervous glances exchanged among the crew. Even though the three vessels were undetectable, he felt dangerously vulnerable. Once they‟d exposed themselves to the Space Defense Corps, would the Melody Shae reach them in time? Despite the number of weapons donated by Antonio, Nick harbored nagging doubts about their ability to overtake an entire military base. But they had to make the attempt. It was that, or say goodbye to the entire human race. Raquel. Nick had been trying mightily to avoid thinking about her, in the end an impossible task. Without meaning to, he glanced down. The palm of his right hand tingled, and he recalled how her breast had filled it to overflowing. Not only did the memory of her scorching touch overpower him with need, but he also struggled to process her disturbing disclosures. He wanted to understand her motives. The part about avenging 240

Once Upon a Time in Space her family, he could understand that. But why didn‟t she care if she died? Her remark only reinforced the fact that he wanted to be the reason she chose to survive. He loved her. He had a whole, fresh new planet to share with her. Wasn‟t that reason enough? He considered another, more frightening possibility. Maybe he had misjudged her attraction. Maybe her role in her family‟s tragic death had scarred her so deeply she couldn‟t find it within herself to trust anyone. Maybe her ability to love had died with her family. Nick shuddered. If that were the case, he couldn‟t let her continue down that road. It was up to him. He had to help her resurrect the security and happiness she had lost. Love could heal her, he felt certain of that. But not just any type of love. He was beginning to understand what it meant to give oneself over completely to someone… heart, body and soul. But if she died during this battle…. He refused to finish the thought. Further reflections would have to wait, because the atmosphere on the bridge had abruptly changed. There was a flurry of fretful activity. “What‟s happening?” he demanded. “Oh my god. Nick, the Pinta just de-cloaked!” Janice gave him a brief, panicked look before hunching back over her console to gather more data. One hand pressed her earpiece tightly against her head. A cold sweat washed over him. “That‟s too soon! We‟re all within range of the cruiser‟s cannons.” “Might have been the failsafe mechanism,” Gideon said. “Readings show a sudden drop in power. Working on it, but we‟ll know more when we can talk to‟em.” “Can you raise them, Janice?” Nick asked. “I‟m trying right now.” “Goddammit… fuck!” 241

Nick wasn‟t sure who had spoken, but it was one of the men. Something awful was about to happen. He could tell. “What is it?” Janice answered him, her voice faint with worry. “The Pinta‟s been hit. Badly.” “Cannon fire from the Volador,” Gideon added. “We‟re assessing the extent of the damage.” Nick balled his hands into fists, driving his fingernails into his palms so deeply that they practically drew blood. C‟mon, Lillian— get out of there! “Christ. It‟s horrible,” Gideon reported. “Essentially, the systems are shutting down, one by one.‟ He turned to Nick. “The main engine suffered the brunt of the attack. The poor girl‟s practically been gutted.” Nick set his lips in a firm line. He had to make a decision. Fast. “Let‟s go help. It‟s about time we de-cloaked anyway.” “Aye,” Twitch acknowledged. A moment later, “De-cloaking complete.” Then Nick had another thought. “Where‟s the Melody Shae and the Deathraven?” “The Deathraven is on schedule,” Janice reported. “Captain Raquel has engaged the Fitzcarraldo. The Melody Shae‟s jump was successful, and she‟s heading toward Eden. Antonio is standing by to speak with you. Patching him through. Now.” “Venture.” The gruff voice spilled into the bridge just before Antonio‟s granite visage filled the screen. “Your Pinta‟s in trouble, you aware of that?” “Yeah, we know.” “We‟re busting ass to get to your position as soon as we can. Didn‟t want you to think we were slacking off. Melody Shae out.” Janice passed a hand across her forehead. “Lillian just sent word that they‟re evacuating.” 242

Once Upon a Time in Space “We‟re closer,” Twitch said. “Let‟s pick ‟em up.” Janice nodded. “I‟m on it.” “Update Sammy, too,” the navigator reminded her. “Already did.” “That‟s my girl.” The wheel flashed as Twitch spun it, and the Santa Maria cut a path toward the Pinta‟s lifeless hulk. Feed from the short-range scanners revealed a large, ugly gash in the Pinta‟s port side, close to the aft thrusters. Burn marks plastered the hull, radiating outward like sunbursts. The damage clearly exceeded their ability to repair it. Janice then reported that the shuttle was en route with the crew. Twitch expertly maneuvered the Santa Maria to shield it from the battle cruisers. By this time, it was a moot point, but Nick recalled Dr. Raj‟s warning about the failsafe mechanism linked to the cloaking device. Obviously, they had all been too dependent on the new technology. But as the pirates said, this was gun frontier territory. Their cloaking ability was their biggest advantage. They had taken the chance, wherever it led. Whatever the cause of the Pinta‟s problems, all the reports concluded that she‟d have to be abandoned. Suddenly, frantic voices spilled from Janice‟s console. “I‟m patching this message through on audio, Nick.” “Nick! Nick, are you there?” Todd had been Janice‟s counterpart aboard the Pinta. “I‟m here, Todd. What‟s happening?” “Geez, man, I didn‟t know what to do! Lillian, she… she refused to evacuate. She‟s still aboard the Pinta!” “What?” Nick felt his insides clutch. “Janice, patch Lillian through, right now!” “Roger that!” 243

“What the hell is she doing?” Twitch asked of no one in particular. At the news, his whole body had gone rigid as he gripped the wheel. The navigator‟s question echoed Nick‟s own. He paced while waiting, his veins pounding with impatience. Then Janice raised her hand. “We only have audio. Sammy‟s listening, too. Go ahead, Nick.” “Lillian?” he began. “Get out of there. Now!” “Oh, darlin‟, I was kinda hoping you wouldn‟t notice. I suppose that‟s a tall order, ain‟t it?” She coughed loudly. “Anyway, I should have enough juice left in this girl to guide her straight into that base down there. That oughta be a big fat surprise for those goddamn rats.” “What are you saying? Forget about the base, Lillian, and get off that ship. There‟s still time!” “Nick honey, we have one chance and one chance only to win this planet. I won‟t have it said that Lillian St. Carmichael ran with her tail between her legs when it mattered the most. I mean, not that my boys and girls aren‟t brave, but this is my job. It‟s what captains are for.” More coughing followed, as well as a brief commentary on the damn lung-clogging smoke. “Twitch, you there?” “Yeah, I‟m here.” “I forgive you. Sammy?” “Yes, Lillian?” A low sob broke through the link after his response. “I love you, you hunky Samoan beefcake. I love all of you. And Nick?” “Yes, Lillian?” “Thank you for taking a chance on us. For putting up with us. And if you cry over me, you big sweet man-muffin, you will turn 244

Once Upon a Time in Space me on like hellfire and there‟ll be no going back! Do you hear me?” “Yeah… uh, yes, Lillian. I hear you.” “Now don‟t forget about—” The transmission went suddenly, starkly silent. “Lillian!” Nick was the first, but not the only one, to cry out her name. Gideon, at least, had the sense of mind to route scanner data to the main screen. As the crew watched in abject horror, the Pinta began a jagged descent toward the planet‟s surface. Janice had left the line open, but only static leaked through. Regardless, there was nothing more to be said. Lillian had made her valiant choice. Nick could hardly bear to watch. The Pinta adjusted her course with agonizingly slow progress. Torturous minutes passed, minutes during which they were all vulnerable to the prowling menace of the Space Defense Corps vessels. Unexpectedly, a sound broke the static, that of a drawn out yeeee-hawwww—and then Lillian‟s voice went silent once again. This time forever. The screen filled with an image that tore Nick‟s heart out. Shooting downward, the engine long having died out, the Pinta rammed directly into the middle of the base. They all watched the haunting, soundless image as the impact birthed a seething, whitehot fireball. In the end, it consumed both the Pinta and the Space Defense Corps stronghold, obliterating both and reducing them to ashes. **** At first, no one moved. No one spoke. No one breathed. Standing halfway between Janice‟s station and his own, Nick gazed across the bridge to digest the reactions of his comrades. Janice, her face frozen with sorrow, stared only at Twitch. The navigator held both hands to his head, presumably to calm an 245

explosion of tics. Before him, the wheel swayed silently in its berth like a death toll, as if the Santa Maria itself was mourning Lillian‟s death. Gideon banged his console three times with a fist and then grew still again. Nick glanced up at the view screen. Sammy‟s image had appeared, the closest he could come to sharing his grief with his colleagues. He stood at his captain‟s station, openly weeping, a massive forearm slung across his eyes. Remnants of tears coated his cheeks and lips. The comm crackled, and Janice announced dully that the remainder of the Pinta‟s crew had made it safely aboard. “Good,” was all Nick could manage past the hard lump in his throat. He hadn‟t known Lillian as long as the others, but he felt the loss as though someone had ripped out his heart and driven it through a metal chip crusher. Lillian was supposed to be by his side as they claimed the new world, not pulverized into dust. He remembered the way she had supported him throughout this strange, hazardous journey. He felt extremely humbled by her courage. Lillian St. Carmichael had been a force to be reckoned with. He wondered if she had any family. When they returned to Earth, he wanted to tell them about her heroic sacrifice. The idea spurred his resolve to complete the mission. After allowing the others a minute more in which to empty their grief, he cleared his throat. “Guys. Janice. I know how much Lillian meant to you all. Of all the grande dames, she was the greatest.” Sammy lowered his arm and nodded vigorously. Nick continued. “Her passing was unexpected, but we have a mission to complete. We can‟t let her sacrifice go to waste. Eden is waiting for us.” Twitch stopped fidgeting and lowered both hands to the wheel. 246

Once Upon a Time in Space “Aye, Captain,” he said hoarsely. Studying the console, he cursed. “We‟re off course. Hit me up, Janice.” Janice wiped her cheeks and steadfastly turned to face her screen. In a matter of seconds, her shocked voice rang out across the bridge. “Oh my God. I‟m sorry. Shit!” She whipped around to face Nick. As soon as he met her gaze, something large and powerful collided with the starboard hull. Alarms shrieked as the Santa Maria pitched hard. Unable to reach his seat in time, Nick saw the deck rush toward him at a sickening speed. Just before pain bit through his shoulder, he heard Janice shouting a status report. A shower of sparks from her console cut her off. She didn‟t need to finish it. They were under attack.

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Chapter Nineteen Pain lanced through his right arm with unrelenting force. Nick gritted his teeth. Sweat plastered his face. A crimson trail ran down from an oozing wound in his shoulder, but he didn‟t dare release his hands from the metal crossbar. Finding an isolated burn mark on the interior hull before him, he focused on it with Zen-like precision in an effort to block the inflamed misery. “How‟s the progress?” he asked Gideon, unable to hide the impatience in his voice. A few meters away, the engineer was soldering two metal crossbars to reinforce a patched-up section of the hull breached by the Volador‟s torpedo. The breach had occurred in one of the fore starboard holds and not, as Nick‟s paranoia had wildly speculated, near the engine. A team of suited crew members had already performed the essential repairs, but Gideon insisted on this one additional measure. Gideon nodded slightly, his face obscured by the safety gear. “Almost there,” came his muffled response. Nick had been holding the crossbars in place for close to a half hour now. With so much damage, the repairs stretched the crew beyond their limits. Further complicating their efforts, the blast had damaged some of the tools and automated equipment, so they had to resort to more basic methods—like their hands. More pain flared. Nick cursed loudly as blood started dripping onto the deck. Next thing he knew, Gideon was on the radio to sickbay. Moments later, Eddie showed up, armed with bandages and a medpen. He dressed Nick‟s arm and administered an 248

Once Upon a Time in Space analgesic. To distract himself from the pain until the medicine kicked in, Nick replayed the attack in his mind. Twitch had artfully steered the Santa Maria away from the battle cruisers even as she belched and thrashed with the laceration wrought by the torpedo. Under his expert ministrations, the ship had cruised along as though in deep distress. Playing dead, as it were. Currently, she was still “drifting” away from the battle cruisers, but Twitch kept her well anchored within the planet‟s orbit. Already, the pain had lessened considerably. Nick gulped in more oxygen while flexing muscles to keep the crossbar in place. Gideon had commented earlier that they were damned lucky life support remained intact. He couldn‟t have agreed more. Grateful as Nick was for their lives, however, a restless energy marked his movements as the desire to reach Eden began again to dominate his thoughts. Not to mention Raquel. His head swam with indecision, knowing one path had paramount importance, but the other…. Well, he simply didn‟t know what he‟d do if she died. The impending battle had fired his love for her even more, bursting the seams of his heart. She symbolized a type of woman he hadn‟t known existed, an almost deadly combination of mystery, excitement, danger, and daring sensuality. The sexy pirate was unlike anyone he had known on Earth. An entirely new flavor of woman. That last thought came as the painkiller hit him at full throttle. He sucked in a breath. The unexpected euphoria spurred ideas of how he‟d taste Raquel the next time they met. He imagined them both naked, tumbling onto a soft bed. She would stretch, cat-like, as Nick positioned himself above her. But where to start? He couldn‟t go wrong with her lush mouth, one that now, in his 249

mind‟s eye, parted slightly in anticipation of a deep kiss. His pulse quickened at the thought of sucking on her generous lips. Yet she had so many curves to explore. What about the side of her waist? Her hips? Or he could roll her onto her stomach so he could kiss and lick her rounded bottom with abandon. Her breasts would certainly be inviting enough, not to mention the nest of curls between her thighs. Nick thought about her bud tightening as he made it slick with languid strokes of his tongue. Then he would taste the very core of her. Taste and feast until she was thrashing in pleasure and coming right into his mouth. The harsh sound of the welder abruptly ceased. “Okay, I‟m done here,” Gideon announced. “You can let go.” As the medicine leveled out, Nick‟s head cleared. He reluctantly jettisoned the fantasy and reoriented himself to the matter at hand. Stepping back, he studied the results of their labor. It could have looked prettier, but as long as it kept a nice thick barrier between them and the vacuum of space, he wasn‟t going to complain. Two hours later, the Santa Maria was space-worthy again. Nick headed for his cabin to quickly clean and change into a fresh set of clothes. Unfortunately, his wound kept leaking blood no matter how thick the bandage. Patching it up the best he could, he left for the bridge. As he exited the lift, Janice waved him over. “Communication is back online. I‟m going to patch Antonio through. He‟s reporting from a building just outside the former base.” “What‟s happening down there?” She handed Nick an earpiece. “He wouldn‟t tell me.” This better not be some shitty pirate trick. “Antonio, it‟s Nick. What‟s going on?” There was a long pause, but then the pirate‟s gruff voice shot 250

Once Upon a Time in Space through. “I‟m glad you‟re okay, too. I don‟t have much time, Venture, so listen carefully. You better check on the Deathraven. Raquel. Let‟s just say I think she‟s in over her head. We haven‟t heard any reports from her. You‟re closer, so it makes sense at this point to give her some cover if she needs it. Plus, I don‟t want those bloody cruisers sending down reinforcements. Any interference you can run would help.” Nick frowned. How are we supposed to run interference with so few weapons? Regardless, he felt secretly relieved at the change of plan. He badly wanted to hold Raquel safe in his arms. “You sure you can manage things down there?” An even longer pause followed. “Antonio?” “I‟ll have to get back to you on that.” Nick bristled. There was something the blustery pirate wasn‟t telling him. “Antonio, what‟s happening? Is Sammy there? Let me talk to him.” “He stopped transmitting.” Janice‟s fingers raced across her console. “Shoot. Sammy‟s not answering, either.” Not again. I can‟t lose any more of our people. He glanced around at the crew. They looked as haggard as he felt. How could he ask more of them? They had dedicated their lives to Eden. They deserved to reach it as soon as possible. Warring loyalties initiated a pounding headache. Nick wanted to instruct them to set a course for the planet, should have instructed them, but— “Nick, we‟re picking up a distress call from the Deathraven!” That settled it. “Get us over there! Move!” Nick reached his station in two long strides. Once in the harness, his fists crimped tightly on the armrests. Would they reach Raquel in time? Twitch placed both hands on the navigation wheel. “Hit me up, Janice!” 251

With a powerful thrust of the engines, the Santa Maria raced to discover the answers to Nick‟s unspoken question. **** When they reached the battle area, Nick could only stare in paralyzed anguish at the view screen. Murky images revealed enough to establish two facts. Neither the Volador nor the Fitzcarraldo existed anymore. In fact, Twitch and Janice worked furiously to avoid hitting the drifting debris left by the former Space Defense Corps giants. Pieces as large as the Santa Maria passed them by in a random dance. It made for a harrowing journey, a Sargasso Sea of treacherous obstacles. Then there was fact number two. The Deathraven was a decimated wreck. It seemed, if they were to believe their own eyes, that they were too late. For Nick, it was the single most excruciating moment of his life. Their vessel approached the pirate junk, now apparently just that—a heap of broken metal with a pockmarked hull and jagged, broken teeth where cannons once jutted proudly out. Skin became cold and clammy as his blood turned sluggish. “Mother of mercy,” Janice said softly. “Is it possible that anyone‟s still alive?” Nick caught her expression of chagrin from the corner of his eye, but chose to ignore it. He couldn‟t take his gaze off the eviscerated carcass. The one in which Raquel might be suffocating to death at that very moment. “Can you scan it for life forms, Gideon? Janice?” His features hardened into a mask of resolve, hiding an ocean of desperation. “Anything?” “Negative. We just don‟t have that capability, Nick. Sorry.” Gideon regarded him with sympathy before returning to his console. 252

Once Upon a Time in Space Twitch spoke over his shoulder. “ETA twenty minutes. We‟ll be aboard her soon, Nick.” Gideon twisted around again. “When we do board, we‟ll have to wear suits as a precaution. Can you handle that?” His solemn features asked the unspoken question. Are you going to freak out on us, landlubber? Nick nodded firmly, his eyes on fire, even as Twitch gave his opinion. “He‟ll be fine, Gid. Just you watch his back, or you‟ll answer to me.” During the final approach, Nick organized a boarding party. When the Santa Maria was in position, Gideon launched the shuttle. Nick felt awkward and ungainly in the lifesuit, even though the design—thinner, lighter, sturdier—had advanced far beyond its predecessors of three hundred years earlier. Every movement seemed to happen in slow motion. He breathed faster, as if to compensate. Slow was not his intention when it came to rescuing Raquel. They reached the Deathraven in minutes. The bay hatch was pulverized, a gnarled victim of a rabid dog. Docking took extremely creative maneuvering. With a few expletives, Gideon eased the nose and then the rest of the shuttle inside, but then it became a race to shift aside bulky debris to clear a path to the airlock hatch. Everyone seemed to be moving so goddamn slowly that Nick wanted to yell and roar and shove it aside by himself, fueled by the fury of his need. But he remained calm and made sure he worked the hardest. When the pain from his injury, which had been steadily rebuilding, rose to a shrieking intensity, it only boosted his determination. Finally, Gideon gave the all-clear. He led the eight-person team through the airlock single file, Nick at his heels. As they advanced 253

through the ship‟s innards, emergency strip lighting sputtered and sparked along their path. Darkness gnawed at the interior, cannibalizing itself in nightmarish corners. Gideon noted that the grav units were probably unstable, for they glided more than walked through the corridors. Nick had to learn how to move differently, breathe differently, and even use his vision differently—all in a matter of minutes. Muscles twisted painfully, generating endless cramps and spasms, but he gritted his teeth and kept going. He certainly couldn‟t have felt any worse than the Deathraven looked. Every section they passed through resembled the one before, an endless stream of bruised, broken surfaces and sparking conduits. Navigating the gloom, even with their powerful flashlights, took a steady foot and steady perseverance even more. According to Gideon, they were now just aft of midship, about four decks below the bridge. They rounded a corner. Despite the warning that came with the sighting of the first casualty, Nick couldn‟t look away. The body was impaled on sharp, angry metal, intact except for its missing face, now a bloody pit of mashed brain and tissue. His stomach revolted, nausea spurred by the fear that he might find Raquel displayed before him in the same fashion. No, goddammit! She‟s going to be alive and well when you find her. When you find her. When, not if. Soberly, the group trudged on. As they left the poor victim behind, Nick‟s sick feeling of terror subsided. Unfortunately, that was just the beginning of the massacre. They passed more bodies, some underfoot, others splayed in random parts across the bulkheads. All dead. There was nothing they could do except return later and give them a proper burial on Eden. The encounters starkly reminded Nick about the other side of 254

Once Upon a Time in Space Raquel, the side he had refused to think much about until now. Her cruel, menacing nature. The side of her that was, to put it simply, a killer. Only a soul damaged and bleeding with unresolved torment could be capable of such self-destructive tendencies. Not only that, but apparently she hadn‟t hesitated to drag her crew down with her. He assumed they had willingly followed her into danger, but her victory had come at a steep, bloody price. Common sense dictated that her actions should have discouraged him from wanting her so much, but they didn‟t. He realized how much he craved the exhilaration she brought to his life. Craved the passion. He shuddered as he detected the dark thoughts lurking in the back of his mind. What did that say about him? Exclamations from the crew snapped him back to attention. They had nearly arrived at their destination. The lift was inoperable, but the access ladders extending to the bridge were undamaged. An almost collective sigh of relief zipped through their radios. At least they wouldn‟t have to waste time rigging another way up. On Nick‟s order, they ascended to the bridge. Leading the way, he couldn‟t help the groan that slipped out. As challenging as it had been to navigate the puzzle of the corridors, the ladder proved infinitely more difficult. Either the ship was rocking, or he kept slipping off. Steady footing eluded him as though the rails were coated with grease. Or blood. By now, he was sure his chest would burst like a geyser from the constant worry. Their paths had crossed neither Raquel, nor anyone else alive. The Deathraven was in shambles. What had happened on its bridge? He paused, having to blink away sweat— 255

or was it tears?—to clear his vision. If his paranoia spread any further, he was going to go insane. Nick reminded himself that someone had sent the distress call, so there had to be survivors. Grunting loudly with renewed effort, he concentrated on climbing one rail at a time. After what seemed an eternity, he reached the top. Thankfully, only a hatch, easily pushed open, stood between him and the bridge. He was barely conscious of the others piling in behind him. Nick stumbled forward and glanced around. It looked like about half of the bridge crew were at their stations, but they were either slumped over the consoles or leaning precariously from their seats. It was darker here than he remembered from his previous visit. The few active console lights blinked torpidly in greeting. Gideon had already advanced to the middle of the bridge. “There‟s very little oxygen left! I estimate less than an hour‟s worth. Hurry up and check for survivors.” Survivors. Nick‟s throat constricted as he headed for the captain‟s station. Would Raquel be one of the lucky ones? Fuck, get a hold of yourself. He wanted to ask if there was a way to temporarily fix the oxygen problem, but the sight of Raquel‟s body left his words adrift. Nick rushed to her. The pirate had collapsed beside her chair. At first, he couldn‟t see her head. Bile shot into his mouth. He suppressed his fear and moved closer. At this range, he saw that her dark hair lay in a wide swath, covering her face as if a death shroud. Clumsily, he sank to his knees beside her still form. He had to get her out of here immediately. Don‟t think. Just pick her up and get her to safety. He reached out an arm. “Wait. Don‟t touch her!” Gideon appeared opposite him, blocking his hand. “Let me check for injuries first.” The engineer swiftly pushed aside her hair and reached under 256

Once Upon a Time in Space her head. After a cursory check of her neck, torso and limbs, he pressed a small instrument to the side of her neck. Nick couldn‟t see it, though he guessed its purpose. His heart skipped a beat. “She‟s alive,” Gideon announced. He fitted her with an oxygen mask unit and nodded at his captain. “Go ahead and carry her to the shuttle. Not too fast, but not slowly, either. The rest of us will search for other survivors.” Nick bent down to pick her up. Acute relief made his vision blur for a few moments. The next hour was lost to his memory. His only goal was to carry Raquel‟s unconscious form to the safety of the shuttle. He wasn‟t sure how he managed to find his way back to the docking bay. He only remembered half-carrying, half-dragging her into the shuttle, cradling her leaden form in his embrace as best he could. If the air from the mask was circulating into her lungs, he couldn‟t tell. She lay draped across his lap, pale and inert. The effort of carrying her so far and in such confined quarters left his shoulder fouled with pain. By now, it was probably attached to his body by a few loose tendons. Deep breaths did nothing to allay the penetrating soreness. Just when he thought he couldn‟t stand it any longer, the other crew returned with the remaining survivors. Thank God. Once on board the Santa Maria, everyone scrambled to deliver the injured to sickbay for treatment. Cabins were quickly converted to accommodate the need. The ready room was transformed into a serviceable medical annex. Eddie established a triage in sickbay. Nick removed his head gear and stood nearby, anxiously awaiting Raquel‟s diagnosis. He turned away politely as Eddie, along with his assistant Carlie, stripped her. They ran an IV line and hooked her up to various types of equipment to assess her condition. When Carlie noticed 257

him, she said it would take a good half hour. Nick advised them he would wait. I‟ll wait as long as it takes. He leaned against a nearby bulkhead. So thirsty. Leaden limbs, not to mention a shoulder racked with pain, refused to budge so he could remove his lifesuit. Nick tried to ignore the tendrils of weakness creeping up his legs. Tried to ignore the shivers that crawled across his skin like swarms of hairy-legged beetles. Instead, he attempted to follow Eddie‟s torrent of inexplicable medical terms. Nick groaned in frustration, his seventh in as many minutes. Meanwhile, Raquel lay hurt and unconscious. For all he knew, she suffered from a painful internal injury with no ability to communicate. The thought broke his heart. So he was stuck just standing there, helpless and useless like a fucking idiot. But soon, the tide of activity shifted. The examination over, Carlie dressed Raquel in a white gown. She and Eddie tucked her into one of the recessed berths. Then Nick noticed Eddie walking toward him, a grim expression on his face. Shit. She better just be asleep. Please, Raquel, just be asleep! Reaching Nick‟s side, Eddie‟s muted summary wasted no words. “She‟s in a coma, Nick.” Nick opened his mouth to speak. At least, he thought he did. Pain radiated throughout his chest as the sickbay lights grew alarmingly dim. Eddie didn‟t look right, either. He fought to stay conscious. Raquel needed him. But the pounding in his head battled him every step of the way. He took a step forward. Lurched. The blood loss must have been too much. Blackness rushed in to swallow him whole, and he was out before he hit the deck.

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Chapter Twenty When Nick awoke, he wasn‟t in sickbay anymore. A sound had pulled him from a deep sleep. Even as his eyelids fluttered open, his head was thick with muddled, grotesque dreams. Shaking off the last of the disturbing visions, he met Janice‟s gaze as she anchored a tray bearing food and drink to a nearby table. Nick recognized it. He was in the captain‟s quarters of the Santa Maria. “Sorry. I didn‟t mean to wake you.” “That‟s okay.” Nick shifted to a sitting position, inducing a painful twinge in his right arm. It was then that he noticed the thick white bandage encasing his shoulder. A lingering smell of antiseptics clung to his skin. He was naked from the waist up, but the room felt comfortably warm. “How long have I been out?” “About twelve hours.” She passed him a large cup filled with water. As he accepted the beverage, he noticed her pale skin and sunken eyes. He wondered when she‟d last had a good night‟s sleep. “You lost a lot of blood,” she said, making a slight, unnecessary adjustment to the bandage. “When they took you from the suit, it was practically flooded with it.” He took a long sip of water. “Is that why I passed out?” She nodded. “We‟re all relieved Eddie got to you in time.” Her voice had wavered as she spoke. Though touched by her concern, Nick looked at her intently. “What about Raquel?” She studied her hands, folded tightly by her waist. “The same.” “You wouldn‟t lie to me, would you, Janice?” 259

Surprise widened her eyes as she met his probing gaze. “Oh, no, Nick, I wouldn‟t. Not at all.” When he opened his mouth to respond, she made him drain the entire cup and eat half of the food before allowing further conversation. “I‟m sorry about her condition,” she eventually continued. “I know… Twitch told me… well, he told me how you feel about her.” Both cheeks bloomed with a pink hue. “I know this sounds corny, but I think it‟s very romantic!” She gave Nick a shy smile, which quickly faded. “Sorry to change the subject so abruptly, but Antonio and Sammy are waiting for you in the ready room. They have a report and something else to show you, but they aren‟t talking until you come.” “Is Eden ours?” Relief chased away her fatigue, if only for a moment. “For now.” Nick swallowed his last bite and pushed aside the covers. “Then I‟ll go see what they need.” As he rummaged through a compartment for fresh clothes, he hesitated. “But I‟m going to see Raquel first.” Janice nodded sympathetically. “I‟ll let them know.” When he declined further assistance, she left. While dressing, he felt a dull, throbbing ache in his arm. But it was nothing compared to the previous pain. After attending to his personal needs, he went to sickbay. Just outside the hatch, Nick stopped to collect frenzied emotions. He had never seen anyone in a coma before, much less a woman for whom he was crazy sick with love. He wiped a thin sheen of sweat from his forehead. There had to be some way to reach her, to draw her out of that bleak underworld of unconsciousness. “You can go in if you want.” Startled, Nick turned around. Eddie stood there, rubbing his 260

Once Upon a Time in Space stubbly chin. “Actually, if you don‟t mind sitting with her for about twenty minutes, I could use the time to eat and clean up.” Nick nodded. “Of course.” He extended a hand, and they shook. “Thanks for all you‟ve done.” Eddie continued down the corridor. When he disappeared from view, Nick squared his shoulders and entered sickbay. Subdued lighting filled the room. Pungent air circulated with a low hum, a sharp reminder of the sterile interior. Nick glanced around. Four other patients filled the berths, apparently asleep or sedated. He crept quietly forward. Raquel lay in a berth on the far side. Nick pressed a nearby button, and a wide plastic tab emerged so he could sit beside her. His throat constricted as he observed Raquel in her current state. The image of her pale skin conveyed the frailty of a lost, lonely spirit. It contrasted vividly with her vibrant black hair. Someone had thoughtfully formed the wavy mass into a loose braid, and it lay elegantly across the pillow. Nick peered hard, but he could barely detect the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. The calm, peaceful way she slept belied the seriousness of her diagnosis. A rueful sigh escaped him. He had never felt so far away from a person, even though his head was poised only inches from hers. Nick reached out a hand. Lightly, he brushed the underside of her chin. It felt achingly soft and tender. No reaction came from her frozen body. Nothing. Not even a flickering eyelash. But being this close to Raquel once again, Nick found it impossible to stay away. The brief touch had left him wanting. Leaning forward, he slowly extended his right palm and rested it against her cheek. He held it there firmly, hardly daring to breathe. He watched her face, as if her good eye would snap open at any moment. But it stayed shut, latched fast to her skin by 261

long dark lashes. He felt her cheek grow warm beneath his touch. The subtle response emboldened him, so he explored her hair with the tips of his fingers. After a moment, a thin lock fell across her bare forehead. He tucked it gently back. As he drank in her serene features, desperate hopes sprang to life in his mind. Wild longings for Eden, and what they would do there together. He saw them wandering together through a lush, tropical paradise. First, he would collect the brightest, sweetest flowers and weave them through her hair. After stripping off their clothes beneath the hot sun, they‟d swim, naked, in a clear, sparkling basin fed by waterfalls and sunshine. Under the shade of a broad-leafed tree, Nick would then feed her fresh fruit, slowly inserting each plump piece into her mouth and catching runaway juices with his own. When her physical hunger was sated, they would kiss for a long time, the scent of the flowers in her hair enveloping them like an ambrosial cocoon. At the thought of their damp bodies pressed close together, Nick‟s shaft lengthened and hardened with unbelievable swiftness. The ache of unrelieved sexual tension had been a constant companion since he met Raquel. Letting it drive his forlorn hope, he imagined hooking her legs over his shoulders and positioning himself for a powerful thrust. She was ready for him, hot and slick. He filled her so thoroughly that her cry of pleasure would echo throughout their private cove. He craved unleashing Raquel‟s sensual side, the one she kept completely controlled—except around him. But with the tropical weather so warm, he would pace his thrusts. Make them slow, make them last. Build her pleasure until she moaned and bucked wildly against him. That, of course, would be the end of his restraint. He‟d pump as fast and hard as physics would allow, and 262

Once Upon a Time in Space in the end, empty himself completely inside her. Nick sighed heavily as the dream faded and reality closed in around him. He slipped his hands under the covers, seeking hers. He cradled her left hand within his grasp, his gaze never leaving her face. There was so much he wanted to know about her. Her childhood was still a mystery, and he longed for stories about the parents that had raised such an intense, driven woman. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Regret made his grip tighten, for he hadn‟t even had a chance to tell her. He could say it all now, but it would only leave him feeling cheated. Frustrated. Talk to her anyway, prompted the thought. As he leaned down to whisper into her ear, he fought for composure, fought to keep his voice steady. But it came out sounding broken and hoarse. “Raquel, come back to me.” Only the beep of her monitor answered his plea, as if to chastise him. He should have said something more, something warm and encouraging. But he couldn‟t speak. The grief was so intense, it was as if someone had ripped out his vocal cords and strangled him with them. He felt broken inside. Nick jumped, startled by a noise. Eddie had returned, and was beginning rounds. Where had the time gone? He felt loathe to leave. At any rate, duty called, and Raquel was in capable hands. He couldn‟t keep Antonio and Sammy waiting any longer. He asked Eddie to contact him immediately if there was a change in her condition. Then he headed for the ready room, where it seemed yet another mystery was unfolding. **** As soon as Nick sat, he immediately noticed a change in both Antonio and Sammy, but it wasn‟t something he could attribute to just the grime, bruises, and tattered clothing now clinging to their faces and bodies. Clearly, they‟d been to hell and back in the name 263

of Eden. According to Janice, while on the recce mission, well over three hundred military soldiers had ambushed them. They were completely outnumbered, but this only fueled the pirates‟ rage. Antonio had led the assault, taking down highly trained personnel as if they were nothing. With weapons in both hands, he cut a large swath through the stunned enemy numbers. Victory was theirs within hours, and now the remaining soldiers were prisoners. But where a triumphant aura should have surrounded them both, a grim mood underscored their every glance and movement. Also present at the briefing were Twitch and Gideon. They politely inquired about Raquel, but all Nick could do was shake his head. Nothing had changed. Antonio gestured for his attention. “I visited Raquel while you were recovering. I told her if she doesn‟t wake up, I‟m going to kick her ass from here to the Magellanic Clouds.” The beefy Italian regarded Nick with a searching expression. “You can thank me later.” Then he pointed to a crate of fruit on the table. Nick had become drunk on its fragrant scent the minute he arrived. Slowly pushing the crate over, Antonio said, “We worked fucking hard for this fruit, and also for something else you might be interested in seeing. Didn‟t we, Sammy?” The Niña‟s captain, nursing a hideously swollen elbow, nodded vigorously. “Very fucking hard, Antonio.” His expression conveyed a troubled air. Then he looked across the table. “Try some, Nick. It‟s delicious.” Antonio grunted. “Mighty damn delicious.” Nick grabbed one and bit into it. Then he nearly cried as his mouth sang with ecstasy. He let the spongy pulp sit on his tongue for a moment, nearly forgetting anyone else was in the room. The delectable fruit alone had made every minute of the perilous 264

Once Upon a Time in Space journey worthwhile. Lowering his hand, he ignored the dripping juices that ran down onto the table. “I assume this means you were successful. Tell me everything.” “You assume pretty goddamn correctly. Wait here a minute. I‟ve got booty like you wouldn‟t believe.” Antonio strode toward the hatch. “Better than this?” Nick peered over the fruit while luxuriating in another large bite of its reddish-orange flesh. Clear, sugary sweet juices danced down his throat as he drank in the piquant joy only nature could provide. Here was something that could never be synthesized! And yet, despite the hedonistic rush to his taste buds, what was he thinking? How could he sit here indulging himself while Raquel languished in a coma? Would he ever be able to hold her again, or fully tell her how he felt? This bitter thought destroyed any further enjoyment he could possibly muster. Nick stared at the half-eaten fruit in his hand. Months ago and he would have practically killed for such a delicacy. Now he could only finish it with leaden bites. As he slowly wiped his mouth free of the succulent juices with the back of his other hand, Twitch clapped him lightly on the back. “She‟ll make it, Nick. You just wait and see.” The navigator probably thought his furtive glance of consternation to Gideon went unnoticed, but it didn‟t. Nick said nothing, however, for the sound of scuffling boots came down the corridor, followed by a booming, “Get the fuck in there.” When he turned around, Antonio‟s massive foot booted a shambling, misshapen thing into the room. It landed in a broken heap right before Nick‟s feet. A sickening thud oozed out, followed by a splash of crimson onto his boots. It was a Space Defense Corps officer, a lieutenant by the look of 265

his tarnished military insignia. A rank that was no doubt attached with pride now hung limply alongside its blood-soaked regalia, a pathetic hangnail in tribute to no one. The man‟s face lay hidden from Nick‟s view, unnaturally flat against the deck. His body, with broken limbs twisted in ways that didn‟t seem possible, rose and fell sporadically with a hideous rasping wheeze—all no doubt a gift from the massive fists of a certain hot-blooded Italian. Antonio‟s dark eyebrows drew closer together. “Tell our esteemed commander what that thing up there in orbit is,” he barked at the prostrate sack of flesh. “Do it!” Tense seconds eked by, yielding nothing more than that horrible labored breathing. Antonio strode forward. His right foot nudged the man‟s side. “Hey, did you hear what I said? I‟m talking to you, voi stupido grumo di merda per i cervelli!” He started kicking the officer, each blow more forceful than the last. The man groaned as his internal organs seemed to rattle about within him. “Want to tell him now, eh? Want to rethink your position?” Blow after blow landed. Wham. Wham WHAM. They continued as Antonio‟s nostrils flared, streaming a river of raw violence downward in contempt. Each pounding produced a sickening wet sound. Nick blanched. The time had come for this to stop. “Antonio…” he began. “No, Venture. Do not interrupt. Believe me, he knows something about that mystery vessel. He bragged as much before laughing at us. But after I broke his thumbs and two ribs, he changed his tune. Right, my friend?” With this final question, the pirate‟s broad, muscular right leg flew back and smashed forward, straight into the prisoner‟s jawbone. A stomach-turning crack snapped out immediately, as the officer‟s face whipped into the opposite direction, fully 266

Once Upon a Time in Space revealing it to Nick for the first time. Purple and red bulges festooned alongside whatever proud features remained; a torrent of thick blood oozed out onto the deck, along with a few shattered teeth. As the man‟s crippled body convulsed spasmodically, Nick felt compelled to intercede. Even a Space Defense Corps animal didn‟t deserve this type of treatment. Ignoring the stabbing pain that shot through him, Nick leaped up as quickly as his injured body would allow and placed himself between the two. “Stop it! For God‟s sake, we‟re not going to get anything out of him if you kill him!” Flames poured from Antonio‟s gaze as he redirected his attention. Quaking fists balled themselves tighter and tighter as he obviously attempted to swallow his rage. “Then get on with the interrogation,” he growled. Nick slowly leaned over the man. A vacuous stare within blueblack eyes greeted him. At this close proximity, Nick could see the officer‟s many wounds weep openly with every heartbeat. Antonio had certainly done a number on him, no doubt stopping just short of smashing his entire head to pulp. “You heard what he said, right?” Nick gestured to the irascible pirate behind him. “I don‟t know what‟s going through that head of yours, but I suggest you consider the odds here. Tell me what that thing is orbiting the planet, while you still can.” The officer‟s pupils constricted. He obviously understood what was being said. Nick took this as a signal to press onward. “We‟re looking for an answer, that‟s all. Give me that, and I just might be able to convince my tranquility-challenged friend here to let you keep what‟s left of your face.” The officer‟s broken face contorted as he struggled to open his mouth. Gaping, bloody holes appeared in dark recesses where recently liberated molars once rested. It somehow gave the 267

disturbing appearance that he was smiling. A wet throaty rattle escaped from his diaphragm, impossible to comprehend. Antonio rushed forward. “What‟s this rat trying to squeak out?” “Hold on.” Nick held up a staying hand and leaned in closer to the prisoner. “Let‟s hear it.” More sounds crept out, but these were distinctly in the form of broken vowels, followed by reluctant words. “Y-you… you‟re all… going… to die. A-all… all of you.” A feeble gurgling sound followed, reeking of laughter. Of all the statements that could have hit the ears of Nick and his allies, this was probably the most egregious. He had clearly chosen his choice of words poorly. Very, very poorly. Antonio‟s rage fully exploded in the form of his boot crashing down into shattered ribs. The man shrieked in agony as Nick threw himself in front of the prisoner. “I said stop it!” Antonio roughly fisted Nick‟s shirt, drawing him close enough to feel the heat emanating from his unrepentant rage. “You heard what he said!” Antonio said. “You heard that bastard as clearly as I did!” “Exactly! And I want to find out what it means! Don‟t you?” Antonio‟s eyelids narrowed as he chewed the thought. Slowly, he released Nick with a gruff, “Hurry it up, then, before I get tired of his goddamn stink.” Nick nodded while straightening his shirt and refocused his attention on the officer. “Explain yourself.” Then his latent anger spewed forth, but the display wasn‟t as dramatic as Antonio‟s. Nick placed his right foot on top of the man‟s cracked chest. “Minus arrogance this time, that is.” The sound of an unhealthy snap broke free. Nick gave Antonio a brutish sidelong glance, and the pirate backed away. That‟s right, mio amico. I‟m not showing pity, I only want answers. 268

Once Upon a Time in Space As Nick shifted more and more weight to the prisoner‟s torso, the face above it grew three shades of red before morphing into purple. “Sss… op.” Nick turned to Antonio. “Did that sound arrogant to you? Maybe just a touch?” With this turn of events, his companion bared his teeth in a wolfish smile. “Yeah. Y‟know, I think it did at that.” “Hmm, that‟s what I thought, too.” More pressure bore down. The prisoner‟s eyes grew wider and wider, giving the appearance they were on the verge of exploding. “Sss.. top. Stop!” Nick released the pressure, as both he and Antonio drew in closer, eyeing the sad sack of flesh beneath them. “It seems like he finally found his voice,” Nick murmured. “The way I see it, you‟ve got a choice here. You can be smart and tell us exactly what that thing‟s purpose is. Or, you can keep acting stupid and wait for my friend here to help you completely spill your guts—all over the floor.” He lowered his voice to allow his final warning to resonate. “Either way, we‟re finding out what we want to know. Understand?” In response, the man‟s the unmistakable look of malice burned upward. “It… is our final solution… to the problem on Earth.” “Which is…?” asked Nick. “Feeding. Population. All… of you.” A fit of coughing overcame him as everyone else shared quizzical looks. “It‟s designed… to neutralize… loss… the waste of resources. To facilitate… a faster migration.” Nick tossed the words around in his mind where they still made no sense. Every line out of this stubborn man consisted of the usual circuitous bureaucratic babble—saying something, yet absolutely nothing, simultaneously. But even so, what did this 269

mean? Then, the gist of what he was hearing hit him. “Neutralize the waste of resources….” That would be exactly the way the military would put an order of that sort, if it was what Nick was thinking. Nick resumed bearing down on the militant roach beneath his boot. “You‟re talking about everyone, aren‟t you? Every man, woman, and child still clinging to some form of hope.” A curtain of pure hatred pulled back from the prisoner‟s face. “I see… you are not completely stupid. All of you. This… clears our way… for colonization. For the chosen.” Antonio grabbed Nick‟s shoulder, speaking forcefully. “What‟s he talking about?” “He‟s saying they plan to murder the people of Earth and claim Eden for a select few.” All eyes fell on the lieutenant. The answer was painted all over his face. Even as his mind roared with outrage, Nick kept his eyes locked right where they were, trained on the soulless pupils of that military officer. “How are you planning to do it?” he asked with quiet dread. The prisoner smiled even as a fit of pain racked his body. Regurgitating blood and spittle, he responded with increasingly slurred speech. “Aerodynamic dissemination… of chemical agents on a… massive scale. The ship in orbit… is… contains launch mechanism. There‟s nothing you can do about it.” Antonio bristled. “The hell we can‟t!” With an unhinged look in his eyes, the prisoner wheezed. Nick scowled at the realization the man was chuckling. “What‟s so goddamn funny?” “This new planet… provided the resources for chemical agents… the organic materials Earth can… no longer supply.” More 270

Once Upon a Time in Space wheezing followed. So the mystery structure orbiting Eden is a ship, one with enough chemical agents to wipe out Earth‟s population. Chemical agents manufactured from Eden‟s pristine soil. A chill snaked all the way to his bones. The plan was insane. But before he could process the revelation further, a blur passed by on his left. “Are you fucking kidding me?” Enraged, Twitch stormed over to where the prisoner lay. “The Corps is going to shower Earth with poison and keep Eden for itself?” He didn‟t wait for the officer to respond. He simply kicked him in the abdomen, followed by a few more brutal strikes before Nick and Sammy yanked him away. Antonio came forward and spat in the prisoner‟s face. “Fucking bastards!” Nick poised himself to restrain him as well, but for once the pirate held back. Though his head reeled with the officer‟s revolting confession, he had to admit a grudging respect for his unexpected ally. Despite his swaggering attitude, Antonio seemed to actually care about the human race. Unlike the foul Space Defense Corps, which, of all the military branches, should have been at the forefront of the war to save Earth‟s citizens from certain extinction. Instead, it was acting as if most of them didn‟t matter. Gideon stared at the battered wreck on the floor, as pale as though it were his blood that had been lost. “I knew the Corps was corrupt, but I‟d never have suspected they‟d go this far,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “That‟s pretty damn heinous!” Twitch shook Nick and Sammy off and retreated to the other side of the room, where he punched the bulkhead. Bracing against it with both hands, he spoke with his back to the others. “We have to warn Earth. We have to stop this motherfucking genocidal plan and overthrow the Corps!” 271

Antonio crossed his arms and nodded. “Damn straight!” “Agreed,” Sammy added. Gideon moved toward the hatch. “I‟m going to alert the others,” he announced, and quickly left. Nick nodded, but a tendril of resistance began to wrap around his heart. He cared deeply about Earth. He did. But…. Antonio spoke again. “Well, Venture, since you‟ll be heading back to Earth, you can sound the warning. If it‟s all the same to you, I‟ll hang out here and keep this sack of shit”—he used a foot to mash down one of the prisoner‟s hands, slowly swiveling it back and forth for maximum effect although the man had already passed out—“aboard the Melody Shae. For insurance.” “Yeah,” Nick responded absently. “Yeah, okay.” Then he glanced down. “But let‟s give him some medical attention first.” As Nick and Sammy dragged the broken body to sickbay, Nick had a sick feeling of his own re-emerge. The dilemma he now had shouldn‟t have been a dilemma at all. But being crazy hopeless in love did funny things to a man. The people of Earth faced the greatest threat they had ever known—annihilation at the hands of the very military that was supposed to protect them. But all Nick could think about was protecting Raquel.

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Chapter Twenty-One As for the future of Earth, there was Nick‟s plan, and then there was everybody else‟s. He hadn‟t meant for matters to evolve so acrimoniously. The Space Defense Corps threat notwithstanding, they had a spectacular world to explore and document before departing for Earth. The initial plans of recovery, rest, and repair unfolded promisingly enough over the course of the following three weeks. Nick first ordered that a team of their engineers attend to the Deathraven. Repairing the ruined vessel was a grim, arduous task. Excavating the mutilated bodies from the splintered hulk required strong hands, steady nerves, and stomachs of iron. Smiley was dead, and so was the Japanese woman who had served Nick and Raquel lunch a few months earlier. Nick reflected deeply on the losses and fervently hoped Raquel would not be among them in the near future. Lacking the usual cremation facilities, pirates and explorers gathered side by side on Eden to dig graves in a patch of moist, cool soil. When all the dead were entombed, Sammy presided over a brief gathering held to honor their sacrifices. Then each grave was marked with a small pile of colorful stones. Everyone hoped that someday, a monument in memory of Lillian would be erected at the center of the blast site. Thanks to Antonio, rebuilding Raquel‟s beloved junk took half the time it might have otherwise. With a supply of salvaged materials from the defunct military base, he corralled the group of captured soldiers to perform them, overseen by the most ruthless 273

of his crew. Enlisted men and officers alike threw themselves into their new duties, and the Space Defense Corps discipline worked wonders. When Nick asked how Antonio managed to enforce such unwavering obedience, the hulking outlaw avoided eye contact. “You don‟t want to know,” he muttered. That was all the explanation Nick wanted. Some pirate secrets were best left deeply hidden. Those not involved with ship repairs explored Eden. Per Dr. Raj‟s orders, they needed to conduct a variety of tests to confirm that the planet was indeed habitable. In addition to mapping the geographical wonders, collecting indigenous plant and mineral samples, and harvesting fresh food supplies to be processed and loaded onto the ships, Nick thought it prudent to complete an inventory of any Space Defense Corps resources that had survived the blast. Gideon also installed a powerful beacon that would transmit Eden‟s coordinates and other pertinent data on a continual basis. The act was additional insurance against further military corruption. Then there was the time they simply spent relaxing, whether in the depths of a warm, verdant forest, upon a sandy seashore, or atop a windswept hillside. One small band braved the chilly bluffs of an icy mountain. For days, images of giant snowmen and other frosty creations flashed by on the Santa Maria‟s main screen. With each passing hour, the crew and their pirate allies underwent seemingly miraculous transformations. Skin bloomed with golden hues, faces glowed with health, and gaunt frames filled out. Whatever magic lurked in the streams, forests, and soil of the new world had been captured in eyes that now glittered with fresh vitality—one that was anything but synthetic. Nick refused to indulge, though he badly wanted to experience 274

Once Upon a Time in Space it all, down to the last microorganism. He especially looked forward to standing on the edge of a vast, open field, devoid of people and buildings as far as the eye could see. He refused to act on the desire, though. It wouldn‟t feel right, not until Raquel stood there by his side. The crew noticed his reticence and frequently encouraged him to join them on the latest shuttle excursion. But each time he declined, finding it impossible to share in their excitement. Instead, he visited Raquel every day, keeping her company for hours on end. Some of the time he passed by reading to her— articles about nature, science, history, stories about faraway times and places…whatever he thought might capture her imagination. As the digital images of the planet accumulated, he brought a portable with him and described them to her, down to every last breathtaking detail. While he firmly believed his efforts were having a positive impact—he had to believe it—he desperately wanted to show her all of it in person. Only then, he felt, would it really mean something. Nick glanced over at her still form. He decided he would stay by her even if she didn‟t wake up until she was a hundred years old. He would be there for her if she didn‟t wake up at all. Then, inspiration struck. He would transport her to the planet‟s surface. Maybe sun and fresh air would speed up her recovery. Telling Raquel he‟d be back, he hurried to discuss it with his crew. Their noncommittal responses didn‟t stop him from making preparations. Strangely, or maybe suspiciously, Antonio soon received news of Nick‟s intention. Immediately, he contacted Nick from his current position aboard the Melody Shae. The pirate strongly forbade the transfer. Nick protested, but then he had to endure Antonio‟s deafening verbal retaliation. It ended with a threat to 275

string up Nick on the Santa Maria‟s prow before Antonio would let that happen. Why, he refused to say, and told Nick he would just have to ask Raquel. He chafed against the pirate‟s arrogance, and then a shouting match ensued. Someone alerted Eddie, who rushed to the bridge and advised against any unnecessary travel. Without knowing her medical history, the doctor explained he thought it best to keep her aboard. Nick agreed, but not without deep regret. Earlier, when Nick was still on civil speaking terms with Antonio, they had discussed a plan to disable the Space Defense Corps‟ weapon of mass destruction. Nick could only imagine the fervor when the Melody Shae‟s captain gave his crew leave to use it for target practice. The pirate vessel‟s cannons and torpedoes caused enough damage to disable it, but not so much that it destroyed the evidence. Nevertheless, its very presence considerably dampened spirits that otherwise would have soared to the heavens with the experience of being among the first humans on Eden. Eventually, all of the tasks were completed. The Deathraven became space-worthy, and enough of Raquel‟s band had survived to crew the vessel. Sammy now commanded a makeshift base located a healthy distance from the blast site. The Melody Shae remained in orbit as point guard. Aboard the Santa Maria, all systems were go for the return journey to Earth. The more Nick stubbornly clung to the task of nursing Raquel back to consciousness, the more his relations with his crew became increasingly tenuous. They wanted the terrorist reign of the Space Defense Corps to end. They wanted to establish settlements on Eden. They wanted safe, healthy, happy lives for once. Eden would accomplish that, as well as so much more. Truthfully, it wasn‟t much to ask. 276

Once Upon a Time in Space Nick was aware of the looks, the whispers, the unspoken words of frustration. By holding up the final phase of the mission, he was making the wrong choice, choosing the well-being of one woman over billions. But not just any woman. Regardless of his personal justification, he was taking advantage of his people‟s loyalty and withholding from the pirate allies their hard-earned reward. By now, it was far past time for the Santa Maria to depart for Earth. The crew faced the difficult task of eluding the Space Defense Corps and alerting the Collective about the insidious classified project. Nick knew all of that, but he still refused to give the order to depart. The pressure caused headaches that refused to subside even with medication. Questions ran through his mind as he rubbed his temples raw in an attempt to alleviate the pain. How could love be so unethical? Correction. How could he act so unethically? He had a greater responsibility. Humanity‟s future. But even at the risk of alienating everyone, Nick stubbornly dwelled on Raquel‟s health and recovery. Part of him searched for the motivation to make the more appropriate and moral choice. He obsessed over it. But Raquel had affected him deeply, and the strange pains in his body were so real and terrifying that it seemed he really had become sick with love. So instead of making a firm decision to stay or go, he wavered somewhere in between the two. Until one day—a full month after Raquel had lapsed into a coma—when the choice was made for him. **** “We can‟t stay any longer, Nick. It‟s just a fact.” Twitch regarded him solemnly from across the table in the Santa Maria‟s ready room. Seated along with Sammy, Gideon, Janice, and Antonio, he had taken the lead in what was quickly turning into a vitriolic debate. 277

Time grew urgent. The meeting indicated just how serious everyone felt about starting the return journey, especially since the rest of them had planned it behind Nick‟s back. Janice had called him up from sickbay without the courtesy of advance notice. Nick had decided to hear them out, but he doubted much would change as a result. The discussion turned problematic when Twitch announced that the Santa Maria was ready to launch. They simply awaited Nick‟s order. However, Nick‟s only concern at the moment was Raquel, and he said as much in return. He reiterated his refusal to return her to the Deathraven, citing its lack of medical crew. Nick expressed his concern about the journey jeopardizing her health. What about the effects of a jump? When he asked if it could cause more damage or even kill her, no one had an answer for him. Even Antonio‟s feral glare wasn‟t enough to dissuade him. “I‟m going to err on the side of caution,” Nick stated. This edict was thrown back in his face. The others either met his arguments with expressions of pity—primarily from Janice, which goaded him—or expressions of annoyance and disappointment, which made him feel guilty. Guilt was the last emotion he wanted at the moment, so instead he let his irritation surface. When all Nick did was shoot Twitch an accusatory stare that screamed “traitor” in response to the navigator‟s urge to depart, Gideon took up the reins. “With all due respect, Nick, we worked very hard to get here. Some of us have to return to Earth with you, and that means putting our new lives on hold even longer.” Undeterred, Twitch spoke again. “The right thing to do is return Raquel to her ship. Her crew will take care of her. Maybe they‟ll even wait here until you come back.” Nick scowled, balling both hands before him on the table. “No. That is not the right thing to do. I refuse to abandon her!” 278

Once Upon a Time in Space Janice sighed. “No one‟s saying you will. It‟s just that—” “Wait a fucking minute here.” Antonio waved apologetically in Janice‟s direction. “Hang on, sweetie. I know you mean well, but your words are falling on deaf ears.” He stabbed a finger toward Nick, his voice dangerously low. “Someone needs to explain to me why we even need to listen to you. You may be the commander, but you sure as hell aren‟t acting like one. I‟m sure Columbo, or whatever his fucking name is, would be so proud.” Nick merely crossed his arms and glared back. It would take more than a few insults from a pirate to change his mind. Antonio spread his broad arms. “What‟s your leverage, eh? What‟s to stop us from doing what needs to be done?” “He‟s our commander, Antonio,” Janice put in softly. “The Collective expects him to announce Eden‟s discovery when we return.” Eyes downcast, she whispered, “So do we.” Antonio paused, mid eye-roll, and then his features churned with concentration as he collected his thoughts. His toned down his gruffness, if only a little. “Nick, we all know how you feel about Raquel. We all know how her coma is dragging your heart through the mud. Buddha knows, I‟ve been there myself. Well… something close to it. But goddamn it, man! There are thirty-five billion people back on Earth—” “Forty,” Gideon corrected. Antonio cocked his head without missing a beat. “—forty billion people who don‟t give a rat‟s ass about your love life. They need a new home. Shit, most of them need a home. So we‟d appreciate it if you could please get your fucking act together. Raquel would be the first person to tell you to take care of business!” The words hung in the air, pregnant with growing tension as the ensuing silence ticked on. Nick closed his eyes, unable to look anyone in the eye while responding. “It is so easy for all of you to 279

sit there in judgment and dictate „Nick, you need to do this, you need to do that.‟” As he spoke, his resentment only grew. The force of it chased away the guilt. He narrowed his eyes. “Let‟s not forget the sacrifices Raquel made, not only for us, but for Earth. For Eden!” “Raquel isn‟t the only one who made sacrifices, Nick,” said Sammy. “Lillian gave up her life when she didn‟t have to.” Nick shot him a measured stare. “All the more reason we need to help Raquel find her way back to us. She deserves our loyalty. And that means we give her more time to recuperate. She deserves a chance at a new life on this planet as much as anyone else. If not more so.” After a brief pause, he added, “I‟m sure Lillian would‟ve wanted that.” Antonio pounded the table hard enough to make it rattle, voice booming with anger. “That is some shitty logic! And „loyalty‟? My ass! Your crew may be afraid to tell it to your face, Venture, but I‟m not. You‟re being a selfish asshole!” Nick leapt from his chair before anyone saw it coming, let alone before anyone could stop him. Lips etched in a snarl, he pinned Antonio to the deck with one massive wrenching of muscle and flesh. Blood surged like a tidal wave throughout his body. A dark cloud of righteous anger blackened his vision for a brief moment. When it cleared, his advantage was unfair, but he hit the pirate anyway. Nick felt detached inside, and it seemed as though his fist became a channeling point for all of his desperation and fear. Maybe the pain and grief over Raquel‟s plight had overwhelmed him, and the edges of his sanity were beginning to crack. One hand squeezed Antonio‟s chin in a death grip, and he put his full weight into it. The other knotted the front of the man‟s shirt. A knee bit into Antonio‟s stomach. He stared hard into the bulging eyes 280

Once Upon a Time in Space below him. “I‟m not leaving her, do you understand me?” Nick tightened his grasp, and even the sweat pouring from him trembled with rage. “Do you understand me?” As his fist tightened, a strange sensation passed through him. It was something ethereal, like an extra bit of life force he didn‟t know he had. Charging and pulsing in his very soul, the torment of sweet agony peaked wildly, nearly suffocating him before abruptly vanishing. Nick had no idea what had just happened, but it only cemented his determination to save Raquel. Unfortunately, the struggling behemoth under him forced him back to stark reality. The room erupted with shouts and yells as the others struggled to separate the dueling pair in the confined space. “Fuck you!” Antonio spat, throwing Nick off and trying to leverage a punch of his own. Sammy hauled him back, locking his giant arms solidly around the pirate‟s midsection. “Fuck you too, Sammy. Let me go!” Twitch and Gideon peeled Nick away between loud admonishments for him to calm down. But Nick couldn‟t have retreated even if a gun was pointed at his head. If he had to go to hell for Raquel‟s sake, then so be it. He didn‟t know if any of what he was shouting made sense, but he was trying to make them all understand. Fuming against the arms trapping him, Nick continued his tirade, challenging Antonio to cross him one more fucking time. It was probably the reason that no one noticed the dark haired pirate slipping forth from the shadows beyond the open hatch, watching the melee with alternating dismay and confusion. Eddie supported the patient as she hobbled forward, dressed in a plain white gown. Intravenous tubing dragged from her right arm. “She left sickbay before I could stop her.” He frowned, as 281

everyone before him breathed heavily while staring at the pair in astonishment. “What the hell is going on?” Nick finally managed to wrench himself away from his captors. As he gazed upwards, the veil of anger abruptly dropped from his eyes. For the first time in his life, he almost fainted from relief. Raquel stood there, staring straight at him. She had finally awakened.

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Chapter Twenty-Two “Nick, I‟ve come to say goodbye.” The container of fresh greens slipped from Nick‟s grasp as if it had grown metal spikes. It landed with a thud on the deck, the contents spilling at his feet. What? Seconds ticked by as he fumbled for words. He hadn‟t expected to find Raquel in his cabin, nor was her statement the greeting he expected to hear. Two weeks had passed since she revived. Two weeks in which Nick had done everything within his power to help her recuperate. Not just physically, but emotionally. After Eddie ran every test he knew to confirm the state of her health, he released her from his care. Beyond that, the only respite she needed was peace, quiet, and the healing properties of fresh food. Instinctively, Nick knew that other hurts existed, other pains from which she had yet to recover. She didn‟t have to voice them. He saw them surface whenever she looked at him with that dark, smoldering eye. Nick tried to engage her as often as possible, showing her he was there to listen. More than once, she brushed him off. If she hadn‟t tempered the action with a light touch or a squeeze of his hand, he might have thrown himself off the ship. She needs time, he had to remind himself more than once. Give it to her. Raquel seemed to prefer spending most of her recovery time alone. Sometimes he caught her wandering the corridors of the Santa Maria, or staring forlornly out a view port. Occasionally she answered when he spoke to her. Most of the time, she remained silent and distant. 283

One day, she strongly encouraged him to visit Eden. He had refused to go until she expressed an interest in plants indigenous to the new world. Knowing she‟d probably want to replenish her cabin aboard the Deathraven with fresh greenery—although why bother when she had a whole planet for a garden?—Nick finally took a shuttle to the planet‟s surface. For the most part, he had the same electrifying experience as when he was on the phantom planet, only this time, he could tell the difference between what was real and the product of some alien mind. The colors were more vivid and the sounds more authentic. The sun seemed to shine more brightly, and the water felt more… well, more intensely wet was the only description he could muster. Even the air had a sharper bite to it. Nick traveled as far and as wide as he could without being away from Raquel for more than twelve hours. There wasn‟t any part of the world he didn‟t want to see, from the high deserts to the steamy jungles; from the cold wastes of the poles to the temperate climes of grass-covered valleys. Everywhere he went there was food to sample. Nick tried everything at least once after it had been processed for consumption. After scraping out the very last bit of pulp from a sinfully juicy orange-like fruit, Nick knew he could never live on Earth again. Not when a fairytale kingdom like Eden really existed. The very soil defied unhappiness or despair. Only joy grew here. Each time he returned to Raquel aboard the Santa Maria, he begged her to accompany him back. But each time she declined, citing the need to be alone with her thoughts to process what she had done and to mourn her losses. In some ways, he couldn‟t blame her. Nick would never forget her anguished expression when she learned how many of her crew had died, both for the planet as well as her own vendetta. Bowing her head, her face 284

Once Upon a Time in Space hidden behind her mass of thick hair, she had refused to speak or eat for over a day. Nick wasn‟t sure how to comfort her with words, so he tried actions instead. The easiest was to bring her gifts. He showered her with flowers, fresh fruit, vegetables, and clear, sparkling water to drink by the bucketful. Every bite seemed to return a little bit of vitality to her body, or so he thought, judging by the pinkish hue that accented her cheeks. Watching her lips and tongue suck the firm flesh of the rich, red berries he gave her caused fantasies so wild that he had to look away. He painstakingly selected a variety of seeds and plants for her captain‟s quarters, and gave her the most beautiful, delicate seashells he could find on which to rest her weary gaze. He compiled image after image of the planet‟s geographical wonders, from mountains and valleys to oceans and mighty rivers. Then he sat with her and drank in the stunning vista of her face as she hungrily devoured every picture he had captured. Periodically, he would ask her to come and experience it all for herself—with him. Again, the answer remained the same. She wasn‟t ready. Nick willingly gave her the space, but wondered if the damage from the trauma she had endured ran much more deeply than he had initially guessed. Who would deny herself such a treasure— especially a pirate? Didn‟t she want to see the new world on her family‟s behalf, the world for which they had sacrificed their lives? Perhaps now, he was about to learn the answers to every question he had. Too stunned to respond at first, he picked up the case, replaced its contents, and set it aside. Then he faced her. Dressed again in her pirate regalia, from the blood red ascot to the jaunty holster to the slim black boots, she stood with her back to him, gazing out at 285

the sea of stars. Was it calling to her? This was a conversation he didn‟t want to have, but clearly something was wrong. Maybe he had been too attentive. Or not attentive enough. Or, he thought with growing dismay, all along he had mistakenly assumed that she felt the same way about him. Raquel had yet to utter even one phrase of affection toward him. But often, actions revealed far more than words could ever express… unless he had blatantly misread hers. Icy daggers of fear slashed into his heart as he willed his hands to remain steady. “What do you mean?” She turned her head slightly. “Nick, please don‟t make it harder than it is. I‟ve escorted you to the planet according to the terms of our agreement. My job here is done. It‟s past time I left.” Such a cold, mechanical answer. “Yes,” he said, measuring his words carefully, “you fulfilled your obligation. More than fulfilled it. You went above and beyond what I expected.” He paused for emphasis. “You also assassinated Huston. Now he can‟t hurt you anymore.” Nick took a step forward. “Raquel, I don‟t understand. I thought we could spend some time together. Well, a lot of time. Where do you have to go?” A long moment of silence followed. Then she sighed while gesturing to the view. “I don‟t know. Somewhere.” Raquel turned around slowly, fingering her gun belt. A faraway, distant look met his searching gaze. Then she seemed to remember he was there, and a dark eye heavy with grief rose to his face. “Truth be told, I never gave much thought to what I‟d do after… after he was dead. Never thought about my future beyond that moment.” She chuckled sardonically. “Never thought I would have a future. But that was before I met you. I‟ll admit, I….” “Don‟t be afraid. You can tell me.” Her good eye darted about uncertainly before shifting back to 286

Once Upon a Time in Space him. “For the past few years, I‟ve devoted every waking second to one thing. Revenge. I played endless fantasies in my head of having Huston‟s worthless form before me, tortured in ways that would chill you to your core. But once the moment came, I felt… emptiness.” This was the first Nick had heard about the battle. “What happened out there?” Raquel exhaled. “Over the years, I had pored over stolen schematics until I knew every rivet of every Hercules class battle cruiser. Taking out the Volador was easy compared to my battle with the Fitzcarraldo. I knew exactly where to hit Huston‟s ship, but I had to be close. Insanely close.” She shuddered visibly. “I also realized that each round of enemy fire would require only seconds to recharge. With this knowledge, I ordered all spare power to the front shields and plunged head on, taking full fire from Huston‟s ship. Volley after volley pounded us. The Deathraven was in bad shape, and the casualties spiked like never before. But I had to take this man down. I had no other choice.” Her gaze searched Nick‟s face as if seeking his validation. “You needed to avenge your family. And Eden was also at stake.” Raquel nodded slowly. “So with the smell of my crew‟s burning flesh around me, I waited patiently for my chance. During a break in the fire, I rammed the Deathraven forward and took my shot. There‟s a design flaw in the hull above the aft starboard auxiliary engine. I aimed for it. Nothing happened at first, but then a huge explosion spread throughout the ship, consuming it.” Raquel paused. “And that was it. My revenge was complete. But instead of filling me with satisfaction, the act cost me everything. I lost my crew. I lost what remained of my soul. Now, I no longer 287

have a purpose… no purpose at all.” Nick took another step forward. His arms screamed at him to fold her into his embrace, but he stayed them. If he made the wrong move, he feared the skittish cat before him would run away. “That‟s not true. You have a purpose. A future with me.” She shook her head vigorously. “No. I‟m sorry. I‟ve said too much!” Nick regarded her the only way he knew how. With love. “Raquel, if you don‟t feel the same way, all you have to do—” “No. It‟s… not that.” Tension started to drain from his body. There was hope. But what was the problem? She backed away, hands wringing together uncharacteristically. “Don‟t you see? Look at what I‟ve done! All I do is cause death and destruction.” Her eye blinked as a tear formed. “That‟s why it‟s best that I leave. I‟m no good for you. Have a wonderful life, Nick.” Then she banked and rushed past him, heading for the hatch. It seemed she had purposefully made contact, judging by how firmly her shoulder brushed against his. He easily caught her by the wrist. Then he extended his arms to hold her, but she twisted and slipped beyond his reach. Nick threw himself against the hatch, effectively blocking it. Whatever you do, don‟t let her go. Pressing herself against a nearby bulkhead, as if for some imaginary protection, she stared at him with an expression of utter defeat. “You need to forget me and find yourself a nice girl.” “I don‟t want a nice girl,” he blurted. “I want you!” Nick realized his comment hadn‟t come out the way he intended. He was breathing hard now. She was trying to leave over a personal guilt trip. Why do that, if she cared about him so much? He extended a hand in supplication. “This is a risk for you. I understand. I don‟t believe you would try to hurt me on purpose, but obviously that‟s a 288

Once Upon a Time in Space concern for you.” “Nick, don‟t—” “No, wait! Hear me out. Maybe it won‟t be as easy as we‟d like, but that‟s fine. We‟ll take it as slowly as you want. Raquel, if we have to live every moment as if it‟s our last, that‟s what we‟ll do.” He paused then, allowing her time to absorb his words. The way she shifted at that moment drew his gaze down her riveting body. As his eyes traveled up to her face again, he noticed her staring at him, her perfectly etched lips slightly parted and her expression flooded with yearning. When Raquel straightened her shoulders, he held his breath, waiting to see what she would do. If he made the wrong move… well, he didn‟t want to think about that. She edged farther away, and appeared to seek solace once more through the view port. He breathed an audible sigh of relief. “Raquel,” he said softly, “tell me you‟re going to stay.” This time, the pause that followed lasted so long that Nick worried she hadn‟t heard him. “I can‟t.” Her words couldn‟t have hurt more if she‟d fired her gun straight at his heart. Goddammit all to hell! He felt restless. Uncertain. He feared that any moment now, she would make a concerted effort to depart. He had to find the language she understood, the kind that would ease her fears and make her feel safe. It was that simple and that complicated. “The only… I guess the only thing left to say is—” The words stuck in his throat. Nick had been about to say something else when he found his entreaty, what he hoped would demonstrate that he was the only man she would need for the rest of her life. 289

Fear rose like a dark-winged fiend of hideous proportions, shoving him with jagged claws to the brink of a dangerous precipice. It was easily the biggest risk of his life. “Well, I‟ll just say it, then. Go. I‟ll understand.” His voice turned hoarse. “If being with me makes you this unhappy, I don‟t want you to… be here.” He had to stop. He clenched his teeth until enough pain flared to lick his jaw with fiery greed. It kept him from roaring in agony. He had just given her permission to walk out of his life. Forever. Raquel made a quarter turn. Nick started, and then he moved aside, hands flexed uselessly at his sides. She might as well have had him at gunpoint. Her hold over his soul was that powerful. A cold sweat washed over him. Well, here‟s the door…. Again, maddeningly, she said nothing. There was something else he noticed… a certain way she was posing, or maybe it was her measured exhalations. For a brief moment, he wondered if he should confront her. But he didn‟t. There can‟t possibly be any more of her secrets. With a sharp intake of breath, he pushed the thought aside. She had changed position. Her hands dropped to her gun belt. The slight rasp of leather filled the room, and then the belt slid from her hips and fell to the floor, weapon and all. Hips. So beautiful! Without the protection her gun belt provided, without the threat it represented, without the way it added a certain dimension to her figure, she appeared more naked to Nick than if she were devoid of clothing. She now displayed a softness and vulnerability that made every atom in him come instantly, vibrantly alive. He didn‟t waste a second more. Rushing forward, he wrapped both arms around her body, as far around as he could make them 290

Once Upon a Time in Space reach. For a long time, all he could do was hold her. Indulge in the rich scent of her hair. Crush her voluptuous, sexy body to his hard, muscular one. Rub his cheek against hers, and whisper her name. At some point Raquel‟s supple, generous lips found his. The kiss she bestowed was even hotter and wetter and wilder than all the previous kisses combined. He felt his knees buckle. It took all of his discipline to remain standing. Had they not been fully dressed, he would have impaled her on his rigid cock where she stood. Pressed so closely against her backside, he chafed with sensitivity so acute it nearly blinded him. Nick suspected her sudden change of heart meant she was simply prolonging her final goodbye, but he wasn‟t about to waste time arguing with more words. Now was the time for action. It was the only thing that might convince her to stay with him. Somehow, she managed to twist around within his tight embrace. Now she clutched locks of his hair, oblivious to the pain it caused. Her lips parted even wider, surrendering an entrance so deep and tender Nick almost forgot he had the whole rest of her body yet to explore. Almost. Still, feeling as if he had all the time in the world, he caressed her tongue with his and gorged himself with long, slow pulls on her lips. It became a game with him, to see how plump and red he could make them. She played right along, coming at him with surprises of her own. Pearly teeth nipped his chin, his nose, his cheeks, and grazed his tongue with sensual cunning. Pleasure tilted toward delicious agony. Raquel pressed her body closer, crushing her breasts against his chest and friskily shoving her hips against his. As they rocked in unison, he kept her mouth full of him until they both grew dangerously breathless. Strong, needy fingers 291

sought the binding swath of material around her neck. Closing upon it, he quickly loosened the knot and tossed the offending piece away. Pushing aside her hair, he feasted upon her bare skin. Stilling his body for a moment, he spread his lips over the spot just beneath the line of her jaw, where her blood pulsed hotly under the surface. Then he sank his teeth in, just a little. Then, a lot more. Not enough to break the skin, but enough to provoke a reaction. She gasped in response. Hips jerked spasmodically against his. The action teased a shaft already hopelessly thick and enthralled by her sexuality. Now Nick understood. This was agony. Agony that craved relief. He guided her firmly toward the bed. This time, her weapon was too far away to stop him. As soon as he began to undress, she reached forward to help, yanking and tearing and stripping the clothes from his skin. Then she flung them to the far corners of the galaxy. They slipped onto the bed, molding their bodies together. As the cool material of her shipsuit met his bare skin, he nearly stopped breathing. Blood thumped viciously throughout his body, fevering his brain and lengthening his erection. Even his feet slid over and across and under her sexy black boots, rubbing excitedly against the smooth material. Nick watched her roving gaze burn into his naked form, a searing path that traveled so low his cock jerked in response. Propped on his side, he explored her firm curves over the shipsuit. He couldn‟t help himself, and would have continued if someone were to cut off both limbs. It was dangerous to have sex with this woman, he realized. He wasn‟t just making love to Raquel. He was making love to The Siren. The sight of her beneath him filled him with awe. Hair that simply had no right to be so luxuriantly wavy lay in glorious 292

Once Upon a Time in Space disarray across the pillow. The bare skin of her neck beckoned him like a bright gemstone. Equally bright, her left eye shone like a star, inviting him—begging him—to claim her. Now. With deliberate slowness, he peeled apart the shipsuit, just enough to reveal a few inches of smooth skin. He spread it open with so much care and precision she began to squirm and mewl like a kitten. As the material yielded beneath his hands, he dragged fingers lightly along her skin, teasing her. Mouth parted, lips shiny and moist, she said nothing, only watched. The opening he created formed a long V from the top of her chest to just below her navel. The inner part of her creamy white breasts revealed themselves to his hungry gaze, mirroring each other like twin crescent moons. Raquel‟s entire bosom heaved, each time causing a little more of her clothing to fall aside. Nick‟s mouth curled into a half-smile. Who was teasing whom here? He caressed the exposed flesh for a few moments, testing its firmness with his fingertips. Then bolder actions followed, squeezing and stroking and giving it a light pinch now and then. When he rubbed and pressed his hands against her body, delighting in the contrast between pale, naked skin, and the impenetrable blackness of her clothing, he couldn‟t decide which stoked his blood hotter. By now, it ran with volcanic lust. He had to have more! Down came the shipsuit. Both breasts spilled out, bouncing freely. His action created a delicious tension, because now her arms were pinned. In effect, she couldn‟t escape. She could barely even move. Raquel the pirate, the deadly outlaw, was his to tame as he wished. Ignoring her whimpers of need as he slowly, languidly drew out each touch, he cupped one breast, then the other. Erect, ruddy nipples echoed the color of her lips. As their soft weight surrendered to his touch, he closed his mouth over the 293

peak of the nearest one. The taste made his mouth catch fire. The sensation spread unabated, causing shivers across his scalp and a tightening of his loins. He wanted to plunge his thick, aching cock between them, but it wasn‟t possible in the limited space. So everything else a man could do to a woman‟s breasts, Nick did. She was squirming with excitement now, thrashing about so much he felt compelled to anchor her using his full weight. Her nipples grew so taut he wondered if he might break his teeth on them. As he devoured her, he wondered which tasted better, the fresh, ripe fruit of the new world, or Raquel‟s abundant breasts. Abruptly, he cast aside the memory of the fruit. It couldn‟t hold a candle to the fragrant scent of her pliant flesh. Lips curled into a grin as he lowered his mouth for a particularly long, hard suck. Raquel‟s good eye remained closed while her head rocked back and forth. Dainty, feminine cries filled his ears, a pleasant and satisfying song. After a while—Nick didn‟t know how long—he drew back to catch his breath. Glancing down, he noticed with pride that the heat and pressure from his mouth had caused her breasts to considerably swell. Her nipples were so enlarged they looked almost painful. But from the way she kept arching her back, she had seemed to relish it. Opening her eye, Raquel started wiggling her arms from the sleeves. But Nick had other plans. Without warning, he plunged his hand down beneath her shipsuit, past the whisper of panties she wore, and into the dark, delicious place between her firm thighs. She gasped. Nick watched, fascinated, as she writhed beneath his touch, moaning softly, her hands clutching the bedding. Her breasts agitated with drunken ferocity. He had barely started caressing her! I am the luckiest man in any world. Unabashedly, she spread herself for him, hips rising for 294

Once Upon a Time in Space maximum exposure to his hand. Eager to oblige, Nick delved further, discovering a hot, wet, fertile oasis. The mound of dense, trim hair, still hidden from view, tickled his palm. With each stroke, he memorized every groove, every tender fold, and every deep, warm valley. As he pleasured her, Nick could see the outline of his hand beneath the shipsuit. Mesmerized, he watched as the dark material tightened across his undulating knuckles and then stretched to accommodate him. Deft fingers rubbed her core until it grew critically tender. He kissed her again, feeling the vibrations pour into his mouth as she groaned loudly with ecstasy. Hand and tongue worked in unfaltering tandem, and as she convulsed with complete and total abandon, her thigh pushed against his cock, making it dangerously distended. When the gush of moisture came, it was Nick‟s turn to gasp. Raquel had just coated his hand with liquid heat. As though he needed even more stimulation, her entrance was so slick it recklessly invited two of his long fingers inside. “Yes! Like that!” she cried breathlessly. Both hands shot down to cover his, guiding him, forcing him in deeper… and then deeper still. By now, perspiration dappled her face and redness suffused her chest. Frantically, she pressed upon his hand, grinding it hard against her sex. Thoroughly entranced, Nick watched as she worked him mercilessly to bring herself to another climax. This one she rode out with her head buried against his chest. It was all he could do to remain still while she grunted lustily and then bit at his skin. When the last wave of pleasure receded, Raquel released him. After withdrawing his hand, he glanced at it, briefly distracted by how much it glistened. Then her rich, spicy scent flooded his nostrils. Nick groaned. He couldn‟t wait any longer. Working 295

quickly, he removed her boots and slid the shipsuit and panties from her body. Endlessly long legs made the work of undressing her seem agonizingly slow. Nick threw her clothes haphazardly onto the floor as soon as they released her gorgeous, naked body. Raquel settled onto her back, signaling her readiness. As he spread her thighs, he felt the heat of her sex on his cock, as warm as her breath had been on his lips. This woman was the very definition of heat. When she reached out for him, he couldn‟t hold back anymore. With a single, determined thrust, Nick drove forward and impaled her fully. At first he could only grit his teeth and hold himself still. It feels so goddamn great! One hand fisted locks of her hair, the other gripped her right upper arm. He was lodged in so deeply someone would have to pry them apart upon their deaths. Raquel kept whispering yes, yes, yes, and then her lips parted wider. Nick captured them with his, melting into her kiss. He dipped his tongue into her mouth, filling her at both ends as completely as he knew how. This, he realized, was the most treacherous kind of sex, the kind that made him want to fuck Raquel day after day after day. He might not even remember to eat. Or breathe. He began to thrust using long, slow, steady strokes. He was desperate to feel her vaginal muscles tighten around his cock and coat it as thickly as she had his hand. Raquel was no stranger to uninhibited sex, he soon discovered. The way she wrapped her long, shapely legs around his waist made every part of his body coil with lust. Hips ground against him while greedy hands explored his back, his thighs, his buttocks. Especially his buttocks, naughtily slipping her fingers inside the 296

Once Upon a Time in Space crevice between them. Then she reached underneath with her other hand to stroke and squeeze his sac. Her touch dissolved every last vestige of reason. Anchoring his arms, he started fucking her with deep, sharp, savage thrusts. Short of the molten core of a star, there was nothing hotter than the place where his shaft collided with the inner walls of her sex. Suddenly Raquel gripped him hard, every limb clinging to his sweaty skin as though she were about to fall into an abyss. The unshakeable hold threatened to hamper his relentless thrusting. She was so sexy, so lush and addicting, he couldn‟t stand for it to slow, not even for a second. So with a loud, explosive grunt, he summoned the height of his strength and shoved into her even harder. Muscles stretched and bunched and then stretched again. Pleasure built so rapidly he developed tunnel vision. This was it, he thought, the moment he he‟d craved from the first time they encountered each other. Now that he was here, their bodies hopelessly entwined, he realized he wanted so much more. Sex, of course, and lots of it, but also the heart and friendship of the trembling woman beneath him. From now on he wanted to be known as Nick… and Raquel. Being himself wasn‟t enough anymore. He cupped her bottom, delighting in its full, abundant contours. Now she was sealed so tightly against him that the physical boundary between them shattered. Was he being too rough? Maybe. But Raquel only threw back her head and took every hot, steely inch of him. By the sound of her moans, she was reveling in it. A moment later, when his balls and inner thighs suddenly became even slicker, he realized she must have climaxed again. Or maybe he was responsible, because an orgasm blindsided him with ruthless force, sinking its famished teeth into every 297

muscle. Synapses fired off, sweeping him along before a tidal wave of euphoria. While he emptied himself, his body sang with a dark, fierce passion. It tore a shout from his throat. He cried out her name.

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Chapter Twenty-Three Nick didn‟t know it yet, but Raquel wasn‟t finished with him. Body thrumming with warm aftershocks, she embraced him as he found release in the most astonishing climax she had ever witnessed in a man. Who knew a male body could be so expressive? Raquel had anticipated that sex with Nick would be great, but she hadn‟t foreseen that it would be so uniquely fulfilling. Comforting. Reassuring, as though she belonged in his arms—and his alone. What‟s happening to me here? Perhaps it had been a while since he‟d last had sex. But no, that wouldn‟t account for his dizzying, abandoned performance. Though the tender thought made her nervous, Raquel wanted to believe it was a result of the chemistry brewing between them, one so palpable she had sensed it during their first unusual encounter. Outside her family, Nick was the closest to a man really caring for her that she‟d ever experienced. Caring for Raquel Donovan, that is. Not Raquel the Pirate, and most certainly not some self-styled “Siren.” He had proven that when he remained by her side during the coma. A part of her still didn‟t trust a bond as genuine as the one they seemed to share, but Raquel knew she had to make love with him. He had broken her walls with his caring words, and she couldn‟t last a second longer apart from him. Then again, she was probably imagining it all. Being in love and finding the perfect man for her was the kind of thing that happened once in a lifetime. Somebody else‟s lifetime. She 299

couldn‟t be that lucky. Fate had cast the dice and cursed her for all eternity. Right now, though, nothing about Nick had to be left to the imagination. He lay here with her, indisputably warm and solid. She intended to take every advantage of that. He made no move to withdraw, even though it was clear the last wave of pleasure had peaked. Eyes closed, he held himself above her, a dreamy expression relaxing his handsome face. She immediately ached to kiss him again, but judging by the heaving of his broad chest, he needed to catch his breath. Instead, she spread her fingers wide and slowly rubbed her hands over his torso and back. His skin felt sensuously hot and moist from his efforts. As she roamed, she decided Nick possessed a body that was exactly right. The right height, the right width… oh, there was nothing about his physique that failed to send vibrations of need coursing through her blood. They fit together so perfectly. A girlish giggle nearly escaped her lips. She especially enjoyed his toned, sculpted ass, the one she had only been able to admire from afar before now. Feeling the weight of it settled between her thighs had been nothing short of sweet indulgence. Nick Venture, her golden Adonis. She ran her tongue along the lower edge of his left pectoral, and then took his nipple in her mouth for a long, gentle, leisurely suck. Her massage elicited a soft moan from between rugged, sexy lips. Caressing his shoulders and back with small, circular motions, she thought wickedly about all the lascivious acts she wanted to perform upon his person. How relaxed she felt at that moment! She felt full of him and happy in a restful way. Almost unnaturally peaceful. She had never been with a man who labored to extract utmost pleasure from 300

Once Upon a Time in Space every touch and caress. Nick really seemed to think she—and her body—were something special. He had been so thorough that even the memory threatened to make her blush. She shivered with anticipation of what awaited her next. She tested him with a squeeze of her vaginal muscles. He was still hard. Good. Her mouth watered as the latest idea formed in her mind. Releasing his nipple, Raquel dragged her lips along his neck while reaching around it to pull his mouth closer. His eyes flickered open briefly, and then closed as she kissed him. She gave him a sweet one at first, a silent thanks for his gift of love. A lump formed in the back of her throat as she reflected on the words he had uttered just an hour before. Go. I‟ll understand. He had been willing to let her depart, though it obviously caused him a tremendous amount of pain. She sighed inwardly. Except for her father, she had never known such a courageous man. Nick had the courage to love her, and to grant her the freedom she needed. You don‟t deserve him. Oh, why now? Why did the thoughts torture her even now? She bristled, and then willed her body to relax before Nick noticed her tension. She increased the pace of her kiss. Weren‟t her sacrifices good enough? Hadn‟t her recent victory righted enough wrongs? She hadn‟t expected to be happy once she killed him, the man whose name she‟d banished from her thoughts. She hadn‟t expected to be satisfied, or filled with glee. What she had expected was to be free of the pain she had carried around like the proverbial albatross of yore. Perhaps she would be free at some point in the future. Being with Nick had raised hope inside her, hope she thought had withered away. Hope that her scars would someday fade. What frightened her was the suspicion he wouldn‟t be enough. Or, more 301

likely, that he was enough and she didn‟t know what to do about it. Unable to figure out the answers, she concentrated on what she did know. She wanted to give Nick Venture the best sex of his life. As her thoughts turned lustful again, he broke the kiss and started pulling out. Reluctantly, she released him, but she knew it wouldn‟t be for long. Leaning on an elbow, he stared down at her. His gaze lingered on her face, but now and then it dipped to her chest, which felt heavy and distended from his attentions. Raquel smiled. Had he never seen a pair of breasts before? Regardless, his excitement was infectious. Not being a fool, she knew she had a body that left men salivating. But with Nick, it felt different. He had treated her with reverence, and with a singleminded concern for her own pleasure. She had seen how he trembled with anticipation, and when he looked at her, he didn‟t see tits and ass and legs. In his eyes, she was a body with a soul. She especially loved the way his strong, expert fingers treated her to inventive little massages that left her melting. She felt a resurfacing of the innocence and vulnerability of youth that disappeared with the murder of her family. The pirate life had formed a hard shell around her feelings, trapping them in a dark abyss and making her wonder if she would ever experience love again. Nick was changing all that. It excited her. But a part of her still cowered in fear. She wasn‟t sure she could give his love the justice it deserved. Nonetheless, she was going to try. Sitting up, she twisted around and pushed him onto his back. When he opened his mouth to speak, she swiftly pressed a finger to his lips. Grinning, he nodded and stretched out before her. His arms loosely encircled her waist as she straddled him, capturing 302

Once Upon a Time in Space his waist and hips with her thighs. The warm, solid mass of his cock nestled firmly beneath her. Bending over, she flipped her dark hair so that it sheathed their heads, creating a hot, private cave in which to play. The man before her had so many appealing features that she longed to crawl inside his skin and stay there. It seemed she couldn‟t find enough satisfaction with his mouth, judging by the way her lips forced it open so she could slip her tongue inside and endlessly abuse it. Was she being selfish? He tasted so good! Her breath caught as Nick suddenly pressed his hands—hard— against her inner thighs. Forearms bulged as he spread her legs farther apart. Her whole body rose as he bucked his hips, trying to burrow back into her. But her skin was too damp, and he kept slipping. A moan escaped him. Raquel knew what he wanted, but it was too soon. Much too soon. She wrestled with him for a naughty, exhilarating moment. As he relaxed with a deferential grin, she slid downward toward his legs. His eyes flew open as all ten of her fingers raked his torso with a seductively slow motion. Her nails weren‟t long, but she dug deep enough to leave long red lines in their wake. Then she peppered his chest and abdomen with feathery kisses, soothing the hurt with her swollen lips. Gasping, Nick twisted about, hands frantically clutching her arms, her breasts, her knees, and any other part of her body within reach. Her kisses grew longer. Harder. Traveling lower down his body, she bared her teeth to graze the salty skin just above his loin. As she fondled him, his hands began to stroke her hair. Raquel shuddered in response to the tingling sensation his touch created. Nick wove his fingers among the tresses and then spread them so 303

that they splayed across his midsection and thighs. His breathing grew more pronounced as he rubbed and pressed her hair into his skin with increasing abandon. Finally his cock was in her view, and in her grasp. Impulsively, she rested her cheek against the velvety head, indulging in its sticky wetness. She heard his breath grow shallow as her hands wandered up and down and around the shaft. A dense, musky scent filled her nose and made her very, very hungry. In an instant, she devoured the entire length of him. Though she tortured him with every skill in her arsenal, Nick‟s stamina amazed her. Every squeeze, every suck, every lick inflamed his desire to new heights—judging by the height of him— but he didn‟t climax. Raquel engaged him with her mouth for a few minutes more and then drew away. She glanced at his erection, now glossy, thick… sinfully engorged. Looking up, she noticed Nick watching her, and a blush warmed her cheeks, her first in many years. He raised a hand to her cheek, cradling her head against his palm. Even this slight touch was enough to content her, and time grew to a standstill as she surrendered to the dreamy sweetness of the moment. But she had to have more. Languidly, Raquel drew in each of his fingers one by one, tasting them with little sucks and kisses. She stared at him, feeling her eyelid grow heavy. She could sense the hunger lurking in his eyes, sensed muscles tensing as he poised to take her no matter what her plans. Dropping his hand, she positioned herself over his body. Raquel nearly recoiled from the burning heat and size of his shaft. Yet it promised so much wicked release that her hips swung forward and down. Her intention was to tease him, to take him in one bit at a time. But arousal made her so slippery that her sex had other ideas and quickly engulfed his entire erection within its wet, greedy 304

Once Upon a Time in Space walls. Raquel climaxed immediately, crying out as her mound collided with his pelvic bone. What surprised her was the way his cock had raked her inside as she absorbed its wonderful length. The contact sparked a deep, euphoric orgasm that made her feel rash, as if she would sell her soul to keep it from ending. As it faded, she immediately sought the next one. Nick held her tightly, digging fingers into her hips and guiding her in just the right way. She threw her whole body into the rhythm evolving between them. After a while, Nick reached out and pulled her down. Greed licked at his face. Both breasts were now within easy reach of his mouth, and he captured a nipple, pulling the tender, swollen flesh in so deeply Raquel wondered with a crazy feeling if he might swallow it. As she moved vigorously up and down, grinding against him, gripping him as tightly as her thighs would allow, Raquel had an odd thought. She wanted to take off her eye patch. What strange timing. She wouldn‟t follow through on the urge, though, because it risked extinguishing Nick‟s libido. Not that he was the type of man who would care, but it was a sordid remnant of her past she didn‟t want anymore. Raquel realized it suddenly did matter. She wanted to be a whole woman for him. Perhaps she could compensate in other ways. She increased her pace. The faster she went, the more her breasts bounced, and an expression of raw fascination consumed his features as he drank in the sight. Arching her back, she rested both hands on his broad thighs. It gave Nick an unobstructed view of her chest, belly, and most of all her sex as she fucked him. She felt fantastically out of control, like a wild animal in heat. Soon, the only sound filling the cabin was the moist slap-slap of unrestrained thrusting. 305

Raquel didn‟t have to see it with her own eye. She felt his gaze burn into her body. The thought of him watching as she slid up and down his cock—soaking it with her excitement, clenching it with her muscles—made her feel gloriously exposed. After the years she‟d languished in darkness and shadow, Nick had brought light into her world. When he caught a breast in each hand, she lost all her senses and cried out his name as the orgasm hit. Nick‟s exclamation of pleasure eclipsed her moans as he climaxed, thrusting madly and initiating a fresh wave of spasms throughout her core. Hot, viscous ropes of seed lashed her with endless, intoxicating spurts. Helpless before the strength of his rapture, Raquel had no choice but to clutch his chest, desperate to hoard him deeply within her for as long as she possibly could.

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Chapter Twenty-Four Raquel didn‟t know it yet, but Nick wasn‟t finished with her. He supposed they should have stopped at that point so final preparations could begin for the Santa Maria‟s journey back to Earth. He should have been checking to ensure Sammy and Antonio had everything they needed for their settlement on the new world. As commander, he should have demonstrated more responsible behavior, period, instead of hiding in his cabin with sweaty arms locked around Raquel‟s naked waist. He should have done all of that, but he didn‟t. Muscles flexing, Nick slowly pushed Raquel‟s hips back and forth, forcing her to extract every last drop. He couldn‟t take his eyes from her voluptuous, glowing body. Skin dewy from their lovemaking beckoned him to drink. Her black mane spilled everywhere, and one tendril twined coyly around her left nipple. What a seductress. Raquel was a fascinating dichotomy, tough in battle but soft and yielding in bed. It was a wicked thought to have, but Nick thought it anyway. She had so much expertise at extracting pleasure from his body, he giddily wondered what other sensual thrills awaited him. The fantasy made him smile. That was the mystery of Raquel. He wanted to maintain his excitement for her, but realized he needed a break. At a loss for words, he tried to communicate with his eyes the hope that she felt as satisfied as he did. He was on the verge of asking when she leaned down and bestowed a long, deep kiss before whispering her need to use the sani. Reluctantly, he released her from his embrace. 307

While she attended to her womanly needs, he sorted through the case of greens on the table. He had already washed them, and his stomach was begging him to dive in. It all smelled so fresh and good that Nick decided he might eat nothing but raw, uncooked food for the rest of his life. No more re-hydrated, synthetic poison. When Raquel finished, he popped into the sani himself. As the door shut behind him, he froze as a horrific thought occurred. What if…? Paranoid thoughts crowded his mind as he debated whether or not to return to the cabin proper. Moments before, he had felt warm and relaxed. Now a sudden chill made his bones ache. What if Raquel spooked, and then left him? Maybe he shouldn‟t have let his guard down. No, that wouldn‟t be right. She deserved his trust. He took a deep breath and proceeded to wash himself. Don‟t be stupid. She wouldn‟t have sat down naked at the table if she were trying to sneak out. Besides, he assured himself, she had every reason to stay now. Not only because of his sexual prowess—though he liked to think that was a major reason, heh—but because she now knew the true extent of his feelings. Self-confidence notwithstanding, Nick finished quickly and opened the door. Stepping out, he immediately noticed she wasn‟t at the table. Where…? His gaze anxiously swept the room. There she was on the bed, legs crossed, nibbling a short, squat root vegetable. Despite his effort to remain calm, his shoulders sagged with relief. You‟re going to go crazy if you keep having these ridiculous worries. His expression brightening, he scooped up some of the greens and joined her. Raquel frowned slightly as he sat closely beside her and planted a warm, lingering kiss on her shoulder. “I love that it‟s fresh, but it tastes strange. Try some.” 308

Once Upon a Time in Space Nick bit into the proffered food. It was crunchy and had a dense, woody aftertaste. “You‟re right. Might be better cooked. Here,” he said, breaking off a leafy green stalk from the bunch in his hand. “Try this.” They ate in comfortable silence. There was fruit in the case as well, an orange-like sort that broke easily into sections (except this one was pink), kinds that were watery and a bit stringy, and others with peels as thick as Nick‟s thumb and gummy centers. Sharing an abundant meal with Raquel aboard the Santa Maria was one thing. Sharing one with her under an actual sky was quite another. He couldn‟t wait to go exploring with her. When the sharp edge of his hunger abated, Nick asked her what sights she wanted to see first. Her brow furrowed delicately. “What do you mean?” “You know, on Eden. The ocean‟s more fantastic than I can describe, but maybe you have a preference for somewhere else. Where should we go first?” “I… go first?” He nodded. Raquel lowered her hand with the half-eaten fruit to her lap. “Well, I, ah….” her voice trailed off and she stared straight ahead, as if to collect her thoughts. Nick swallowed the last of the white, chewy pulp he had been consuming and licked his fingers. So sweet! Then he remembered she hadn‟t answered yet. When he looked at her face, there was a tear in her eye. “Raquel, what‟s wrong?” “Nothing.” The pirate lowered her head. Though hair partially obscured her face, Nick caught the tear that slipped down her cheek even though she quickly wiped it away. 309

You are such an asshole. Look what she‟s just been through, and all you can think about is some kind of two-bit joyride. Nick immediately pulled her against his chest, relieved that she relaxed into his touch. Stroking her hair, he sighed. “I‟m sorry. You‟ve been through a lot. I asked too soon.” A muffled sob reached his ears. Christ, you even made her cry. “Raquel, I—” “No.” Palming his chest, she pushed slightly away so she could look him in the eye. A shadow passed across her face. Nick blinked; it must have been a trick of the light. “It‟s not you,” she continued. “But you‟re right. I think the stress was more than I anticipated.” Abruptly her gaze dropped, and she started to play lightly with one of his nipples. Gooseflesh exploded across his chest. He shuddered. He grasped her hand, grudgingly ending her touch. “Well, if you‟ve had enough to eat, maybe you should get some rest.” When he started to move aside so she could lie down, Raquel tossed her piece of fruit onto the table and clambered on top of him. Her full weight pressed down upon his chest as she straddled it, and he had no choice but to collapse backwards. “I don‟t want to rest,” she murmured huskily. “I want you.” Without warning, she changed position, and his mouth was buried in the slick, tender folds of her sex. Eden was suddenly a distant memory. Blood rushed to his loin, signaling another erection. Gripping both of her thighs, Nick yanked her even closer and plunged his tongue into her tight, steamy center. She cried out with pleasure. In response, he sealed his mouth tightly against her nether lips. At first, she remained still as he eagerly explored, delving shamefully deep within her. But he must 310

Once Upon a Time in Space have been doing something right, because within minutes his mouth ran with her essence. Sometime later, Raquel withdrew from his mouth, seeking other pleasures. Frustrated with the limitations of the bed, they discovered creative uses of the rest of the cabin. First was the deck, upon which Raquel reclined. As Nick covered her outstretched form with the whole length of his body, he prowled his way back between her thighs, and she roved simultaneously to his. Wet and sloppy sounds rose from the deck. When Raquel‟s mouth enveloped the ripe head of his shaft, sucking and licking and biting it with the same ferocity as she had devoured the fruit, Nick couldn‟t control his libido any more. Hips shot downward, plunging his whole length inside. It felt so good he thrust into her that way at least a dozen more times. Any shyness or reservations he might have had regarding sex vanished that day. For one, he had never tried to embed so many fingers into a woman‟s sex before. Nor had he guessed how exciting it could be to rub his erection against more than just a woman‟s breast or vagina. Penetrating that deep mass of ebony hair had caused excruciating need. The voluminous, silky locks wrapped around his loaded shaft had prompted uncontrollable gushing. It was as though he couldn‟t get enough of her, and she only made matters worse by begging him to go harder, faster, deeper. Heated, sweaty bodies taxed the limit of the cabin‟s temperature controls. He lost track of the number of times Raquel climaxed, knowing only that it rivaled the number of times his cock brushed her slippery, sticky thighs on the way to nirvana. Hours later, Nick released into her for what would have to be the last time for a while. Their blushing, panting, dripping bodies mirrored each other as they tumbled into the bed, sore and 311

exhausted. For a while they lay there with limbs entwined, chests rising and falling in unison. Nick wondered if he could bring himself to leave her side, let alone travel back to Earth in separate ships. But strictly speaking, the mission wasn‟t over yet. Of paramount importance was the warning he needed to sound. Guilt seeped in as he remembered that the Santa Maria had to reach Earth before the military discovered their presence on Eden. Right now, billions of people depended on his protection from a weapon with a purpose so malignant that Nick couldn‟t recall anything worse in all of history. Well, he would have to put his selfish desires aside and carry out the remainder of his duty. Then he‟d be able to make Raquel the center of his life. Disentangling himself, Nick rose to dim the lights and use the sani. Once finished, he simply gazed at her, entranced. Sprawled on the bed, Raquel was a vision from his hottest fantasies. I can‟t believe how lucky I am. First a new planet, and now a beautiful woman to love. Drunk with devotion, he fed her more of the fruit and vegetables and gave her water to drink. After ingesting another snack himself, Nick suggested they sleep. Raquel obediently curled up against him, some of her hair spilling onto his chest and shoulder. Everything about her felt soft and warm and good, and soon he felt his eyelids grow heavy. Just before his eyes gave out, a thought occurred to him. He squeezed her hand. “I just thought of something,” he whispered. “I think I know where you‟d like to go first on Eden. But I want to surprise you.” Raquel was so long in answering, he wondered if she had fallen asleep. He nudged her shoulder. “Yeah,” she murmured, and then buried her face against his 312

Once Upon a Time in Space arm. “Okay.” He would have thought she‟d be more excited about it, but she was probably very tired. A sleepy grin spread across his lips. He had worn her out. With a deep breath, Nick tightly embraced the galaxy‟s most notorious pirate, the sexy siren of his dreams, and drifted into happy, unbroken sleep. **** He awoke gently, not sure of the time, but guessed they‟d been asleep for several hours. He felt unbelievably refreshed, thinking maybe the exotic fruit and vegetables were doing his body some good. Or maybe it was Raquel. Yes, definitely Raquel. Thinking of her made him instantly rigid, as hard as though they had never made love yet. Grinning, he couldn‟t help but think it was a great time to be alive. There was so much he wanted to talk about with her, but first he wanted her to remedy the pulsing ache between his thighs. Then a wicked thought arose. Maybe she would let him use her breasts this round. Ah, Raquel, what would I do without you? Until now, he realized, he had been living only half a life. Being around Raquel made him believe he could accomplish anything. Be somebody. He might even live up to his namesake, the Christopher Columbus of the history books. Suddenly desperate for her touch, Nick reached out, seeking her warmth. But his arm turned up empty. She was gone.

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Chapter Twenty-Five Although instinct told him otherwise, Nick checked the sani anyway. Empty. After throwing on just enough clothes to appear decent, he raced to the bridge and looked hurriedly around. Twitch and Janice, the only crew present, were standing by her station, deep in conversation. Nick stormed forward, his gaze darting anxiously between them. Dispensing with etiquette, he spoke in a rush. “Is she here? Have you seen her?” The two stopped talking and exchanged puzzled looks. Janice answered first. “If you mean Raquel, yes. She was here.” Nick leaned against a nearby console, on the verge of heartmelting relief or a complete meltdown, depending on the next answer. “Where is she now?” Twitch raised a brow, concern in his eyes. “Ahh, she left for the patrol, Nick.” Damn it. “What patrol?” The navigator frowned. “The one the two of you discussed… or so she told us.” “What? No! What are you talking about? Listen, I don‟t know a damn thing about a patrol. You mean she left the ship?” “About three hours ago. She stopped by and said you had talked about her taking the Deathraven on patrol in case anyone from the Corps showed up.” For a brief moment, Twitch‟s face became completely still. “Isn‟t that what you discussed?” Nick slammed a fist so hard into the console his knuckles came 314

Once Upon a Time in Space away bleeding. While boring Janice with a cantankerous look, he used his full height to tower over her. “She left three hours ago? You‟re in charge of communications! Why didn‟t anyone fucking tell me?” Twitch threw up both hands and stepped in front of Janice as if to shield her. “Easy, Nick. Calm down. We thought you knew. She said she told you. She said you were sleeping and would report in later.” He shook his head. “We gave her the benefit of the doubt, seeing as how… involved you two are.” Janice paled. “You mean it wasn‟t true?” Arms flailed wildly as he screamed at her. “Goddammit, of course it isn‟t true! Do you think I would just let her go like that?” “Okay, Nick, that‟s close enough.” Twitch braced both hands against Nick‟s shoulders. “Why don‟t you go take a breather?” “Why don‟t you go to hell?” With that, Nick punched the navigator so hard Twitch staggered back several feet. His back met the sharp edge of a chair and he crumpled to the floor in pain, blood spurting from his nose. Janice immediately hunched over her station to sound an alert. Backing away, she shot him an anguished look. “Nick, how could you? After all he‟s done for you?” Then she dove to Twitch‟s side with a cry of concern. Still consumed by rage, Nick punched at the console before him several more times. Part of it broke, but he didn‟t care. He had an immediate urge to leave, but where could he go? He didn‟t even know how to pilot a shuttle. Damn this bloody ship! Damn all of space! Retreating to his station, he slumped in the captain‟s chair, brooding furiously. Unable to face the undeniable reality of her disappearance, he buried his face in both hands. Damn you, Raquel! He didn‟t know what to think. Why had she left? They had just 315

made love for over five hours! Raw, primal, passionate sex, the kind that most people only dreamed about. What kind of woman gave herself to a man so completely and then left him? Hadn‟t he made his love and support abundantly clear? Didn‟t she trust him? He wondered what he had done to scare her off. His thoughts scrambled as the memories piled up. It would take him years to decipher what had just transpired. As he reflected on their past interactions, small clues began to add up. Her refusal to visit the new world despite a clean bill of health. She had cried when he started discussing a life together on Eden. Then there was her reticence, the way she distracted him with sex. Upon further reflection, it had been painfully obvious. He should have known she was going to leave. Damn it, he should have known! Incessant pain shot through his temples. It was too much to take, especially after suffering through her coma, her startling disclosures, her mixed messages. Then there was the irrefutable power of her seductive, wanton lust. He could already sense his body in the grip of a hideous withdrawal. Did it really mean— forever—that he wouldn‟t be able to see or touch her again? He forced the thought away before it propelled him to a place from which his mind might never return. He didn‟t understand what was happening to him. Was love supposed to be this miserable? He realized he must not have been in love with a woman before, because he didn‟t remember its absence inflicting such unbearable anguish. A reckless plan emerged. He began seriously contemplating using the Santa Maria to find her. Then he quickly reconsidered. Shit, it was a ridiculous idea. The crew would sooner throw him in the brig. Or should he remain in orbit around Earth once the mission was complete? What if she changed her mind and 316

Once Upon a Time in Space returned to Eden? What if they constantly missed each other? What if… what if? These and other torturous thoughts plagued him for the better part of an hour. By then, the rest of the crew had gathered on the bridge. More than a few stared at him with undisguised apprehension. Three, including Gideon, formed a half circle by his chair. Nick guessed they had gathered for protection, in case he presented a danger to anyone else. Or maybe to himself. Quiet murmurs reached his ears as everyone discussed the situation. It only added to his frustration. Great. Just what I need. Now everyone knows my business. Someone called for silence, and then Gideon approached him. “Nick, you‟re in shock. If you need some time alone—” “Shut up!” Nick curled both hands into fists. “Just shut up for a second and let me think!” He dropped his gaze, too angry to look at them anymore. He was about to stand up and head for his cabin when the bridge grew unusually quiet. A pair of brown shoes appeared within Nick‟s line of vision. The footwear belonged to Twitch. “Listen here, Captain.” His words rang with caustic authority. Nick ignored him. He stood and turned to leave. When Twitch grabbed him by the collar, Nick couldn‟t ignore him. If he‟d wanted to, he could have pulverized Twitch where he stood. He didn‟t, though. Even in his angry, desperate state, he still remembered how much regard he had for his navigator. Doubly so when he realized the risk the man took, knowing Nick could easily overpower him. Yet there wasn‟t a hint of fear in his expression. Blood caked Twitch‟s nose, and a garish bruise was darkening on his left cheek. Guilt forced Nick to stay. Respect forced him to listen. 317

Twitch‟s eyes flashed, but his voice was calm, measured. “Look around you for a minute. Look long and hard, Nick.” He paused, and Nick reluctantly swept his gaze over the group. Abruptly, Twitch released him. The navigator folded his arms and regarded Nick sternly. “I know you‟re having a rough time. It‟s not easy losing someone, especially a woman like Raquel.” Then he had to pause as a particularly vicious tic ravaged his mouth. Twitch rubbed at it forcefully, and his hands came away bloody. Regardless, he used the same hand to gesture toward the crew. “But there‟s still work to be done here. A lot of people made sacrifices for Eden, and we can‟t let it fall back into the hands of that goddamn military. Earth is waiting for us, Nick. Our brothers and sisters and children need to know what we know. Truth is, we‟re all tired and we want to relocate here as soon as possible. Your personal loss is real bad. But if we lose this planet, we‟ll lose the whole human race.” He coughed up blood and wiped it across the back of a hand. “Not to mention I‟ll kick your fucking ass.” Nick stared at him. Twitch had a good point, as usual. He had been right about Raquel all along, but Nick had refused to listen. It should have humbled him, but he was still racked with a sense of unrelenting abandonment. He was also unable to suppress his growing resentment. They thought he cared less about Earth than they did. “Don‟t you think I know all that?” With a dismissive wave, he headed for the lift. “I don‟t need this right now.” “We‟re not the ones who left you, Nick.” Nick stopped just short of the lift entrance. What gives you the right— He immediately shut down the thought. Sighing deeply, he realized Twitch was right. He wasn‟t saying it, but Nick had been acting like a lovesick, immature teenager. This was not how a starship captain should act. These men and women weren‟t just his crew. They were his friends. Friends he was treating like 318

Once Upon a Time in Space garbage. Somewhere, the body of Christopher Columbus was rolling over in its grave. Nick turned back around, flicking his gaze across their tense, worried faces. He recalled their hard work, their devotion, their loyalty. They had lost loved ones, made numerous sacrifices, and attended to every duty without complaint. They had even accommodated him, against their better judgment, when Raquel was in a coma. So many people had lived horrible, degraded lives. How could he have forgotten? Someone would always have it worse than he did, even Raquel. Especially Raquel. She had nearly sacrificed her life so he could claim the new world. Was he going to throw all that away over one woman? What would she think of him now, ruled carelessly by anger and bitterness? Should she ever find out, the answer terrified him. Nick recalled all of it and hung his head in shame. “I know,” he said quietly. Apparently satisfied, Twitch slowly nodded. “Now that I have your attention, what are your orders?” Nick straightened his shoulders, though they felt as heavy as lead. Pushing through the mass of bodies, he couldn‟t bring himself to look anyone in the eye, not even Janice or Twitch. Resuming his station, he could only sit and study his hands. All his energy abruptly dissipated, leaving him with a weak, drained feeling. When he finally answered, his voice sounded acutely raw. “My orders are… we return to Earth.” After that, he refused to speak another word for the rest of the journey. **** An hour later, the holographic sails of the Santa Maria unfurled for the return journey, harnessing the energy of the new 319

world‟s sun for the launch. The Niña and the Melody Shae would remain behind to guard their collective stake, but also as insurance in case anything happened to the flagship. If six months passed without any word from Nick or the others, Sammy would lead the Niña‟s crew to Earth and sound the warning. Failing that, Antonio promised to do the same. In the meantime—as he painstakingly assured the departing explorers—Eden‟s beaches would be thoroughly patrolled. During the months-long journey, Nick reported to the captain‟s station every day and sat there for the entire shift. As stiff and unemotional as a robot, he stared out the main view port, or he closed his eyes in thought for hours on end. Perusing the ship‟s databanks provided occasional distraction, but inevitably, he ran across something that reminded him of her. At that point, he had no choice but to revisit his empty thoughts. Various members of the crew attempted to draw him from his shell. Janice brought him food, and Gideon made frequent—and entirely unnecessary—reports. Twitch told stories about his stint in the Corps, which everyone seemed to find hilarious—except for Nick. But no matter how hard they tried, their efforts were wasted. All overtures were met with a morose expression, a dismissive hand, or his back as he stalked sullenly away. Nick couldn‟t care less what they did. He just wanted the whole damn mission over. Much as he tried to quell his anger, it had an unyielding grip on his soul. If he had been honest with himself, he would have recognized it for the mask of deep, inconsolable grief that it was. His head constantly ached, yet he refused to seek any medicine to ameliorate the pain. Dark circles formed under his eyes from lack of sleep. How could he rest when the ghost of her beauty haunted him even in dreams? Once hearty, his appetite slowly 320

Once Upon a Time in Space deteriorated. Nothing tasted good anymore, not even the fresh food so carefully preserved. The only reason he ate at all was to fulfill his obligation, and because one miniscule drop of hope remained that one day he would be with Raquel again. But the closer they came to Earth, the more his fragile hope started crumbling away. Four months passed. Each day bled into the next, and the next, a long depressing road to hell. Around him, excitement reached feverish levels as the crew gaily discussed plans and dreams, hopes and wishes for their new lives. They made all kinds of predictions about the changes the new world would manifest, from cultural to social to political. Blast it all, but couldn‟t they talk about something else for once? Or better yet, just shut up entirely? Nick wanted to ignore it. Tried to ignore it. The more they spoke about a great new future, the more he was reminded that he really had no place to go. No place that mattered, anyway. One day, when he simply couldn‟t take their enthusiasm anymore, he abruptly left the bridge. Deeply mired in his latest funk, he was unaware that someone followed him. Nick stood in the ready room, staring out the view port. The dark vista, peppered with the cold light of unresponsive stars, was the perfect place in which to escape from his memories. Then he heard footsteps approach. He didn‟t bother turning around, but recognized the repetitive clearing of a throat that could only mean Twitch was present. The navigator came to stand beside him, resting his arms casually against the safety rail. “Just came to tell ya we‟re within sight of Earth. I mean, we‟re still about eighteen hours away, but the long-range scanners just picked her up.” He paused to clear his throat again. “Janice is getting ready to broadcast the message you recorded.” 321

Nick fuzzily recalled the plan. Back when they were in orbit around Eden, he had recorded a message to be transmitted on a common frequency that anyone on Earth or in the planet‟s vicinity could receive. Those listening would learn about the habitable planet, and the nefarious acts of the Space Defense Corps as well. Embedded in the transmission was image after image of Eden, humanity‟s last hope. No doubt chaos would erupt, but it would lead to a change that was hundreds of years past due. Not only that, but the Advocates For Expansion would finally be vindicated. Nick quickly pushed the thought away. Colonization had been the quest of Raquel and her family, and he was trying to get into the habit of forgetting about her. Nick thought he nodded in response to the news. He wasn‟t sure. Then it dawned on him that a second separation was about to happen. He would no longer have his crew. Twitch, Janice, Gideon, Sammy… they would all be going their separate ways for a while. He might not see them again. Ever. The revelation stunned him, evidenced by the star field that swam in his vision for a moment. When had he come to rely on them so much? When had they become so important? Twitch pulled away from the rail and clapped Nick on the back. “Well, that‟s all I came to say. I‟ll be on the bridge if you need anything.” The sound of his footsteps began to recede. “Steve?” “Yeah?” Nick turned. It was a monumental effort to look his navigator— his best friend—in the eye, but he did it regardless. He had to. Somehow, it didn‟t seem appropriate to call him by the derogatory nickname, either. “Steve, you were right. You told me she‟d break my heart, and she did. I didn‟t listen, so I have only myself to 322

Once Upon a Time in Space blame. I… I took it out on you and the others without thinking. All of you gave me nothing but respect and loyalty in return. I only wish I‟d done something to deserve it. Instead, I‟ve been a complete ass.” He extended a hand. “I‟m sorry.” His jaw tightened with emotion. “I‟m very sorry.” For a few tense moments, Twitch merely stood there, his right eye fluttering. Nick feared he had jeopardized the friendship so badly that Twitch would refuse the gesture. But just as his hand faltered, the navigator practically dove forward in his effort to complete the handshake. Relief broke out across his face. “Shit, man, I was worried you‟d become a permanent mute or something. Mute, isn‟t that what they call it when you can‟t speak?” He continued pumping Nick‟s hand for several more seconds. “Welcome back to the land of the living, Nick. Uncle goddamn!” Without missing a beat, they looked at each other and exclaimed, “Lillian!” followed by a mutual chuckle. Twitch ran a hand along the rail, becoming abruptly sober. “You know, you‟re not the only one who‟s been an ass.” Nick‟s smile faded. “How do you mean?” “Well, if you remember, my last conversation with Lil wasn‟t a conversation at all. I had to fucking argue with her. Well, not just argue, but I insulted her, too. Then she died on me.” When he met Nick‟s gaze, his eyes shone a little brighter than before. “I never had a chance to apologize. I‟ll always regret that.” “I‟m sure she understands,” Nick replied. “Besides, was there ever a time the two of you weren‟t arguing?” Twitch snorted. “You got a point there.” He cleared his throat. “By the way, I need you to be my best man.” Nick looked at him askance. “Best man for what?” Twitch punched him in the arm. “For my wedding, you idiot! 323

Janice and I are getting married. Once we return to Eden.” A lopsided grin adorned his face, and this time it wasn‟t a nervous tic. “Is that right? Well… congratulations!” They shook hands again. Nick grinned back. “Yeah, absolutely. I‟d be honored.” Twitch blew out a breath. “I‟m glad that‟s settled. You‟ve been so quiet I was worried I‟d have to ask you in fucking sign language or something, I—what‟s that?” A klaxon was sounding. Janice‟s voice came over the ship‟s radio, shrill with panic and screaming for everyone to report to battle stations. Something was terribly wrong.

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Chapter Twenty-Six “Forty destroyers, seven frigates, and three battle cruisers.” Breathless, Janice glanced up from her console only long enough to shoot Nick and Twitch an anxious look as they reported to the bridge. “We‟re surrounded.” Nick and Twitch glanced up at the main view screen, cluttered with data about the military ship specs and locations. A sickening development. “Why the hell did we de-cloak?” Twitch asked, gripping the navigation wheel with both hands while studying his console. Gideon turned around with a glare. “We didn‟t. It was the automatic shut off.” Nick felt his insides turn to ice as he sat in the captain‟s chair. Just like the Pinta. “We talked about this possibility, folks, remember? Janice, send the bundled transmission.” “I already did, but they‟re blocking the signal. I‟m sorry, Nick, but I don‟t have enough experience to circumvent it.” Well then. It was time to get creative. “Couldn‟t we jump past them?” Gideon‟s eyebrows furrowed as he contemplated the suggestion. “We could, but they‟d be able to detect our energy buildup. We‟d be lucky if they didn‟t blast us apart the second we tried it.” “Well, we gotta try something.” Twitch flexed his arms. “Give me the coordinates to the White House, Janice. I‟ll land this baby right in the President‟s fucking lap!” Nick glanced about, sharply intrigued. “Let‟s do that, if we can.” Janice turned around, pausing briefly to frown in Twitch‟s 325

direction. “No, we can‟t. I mean, we could, but the military has too many security barriers in place. We‟d be dead the second we materialized.” “What would that accomplish, anyway?” Gideon asked, ignoring Twitch‟s snort of disgust. “Besides,” he continued, thumbing his console, “readings show we don‟t have the juice right now because we were cloaked for so long. We should at least try to negotiate. Or explain ourselves. I‟m not convinced the entire Space Defense Corps knows about Eden. Maybe we can use that to our advantage.” Nick nodded. “I agree. They‟ve never heard of our ship before, so I imagine they‟ll want to know our intentions. Maybe there are still some honest soldiers left in the Corps. If they learn the truth, they might be willing to help. If not, it‟ll buy us time. Maybe Dr. Raj will hear about our predicament and find a way to help.” “Just in case,” Twitch said, “we oughta have the torpedoes warmed up and standing by. They might provide cover long enough for us to jump out of range if the Corps decides to dust us.” Nick strongly hoped “dust us” wasn‟t a possibility. “Agreed. Okay, Janice, any time you‟re ready.” “Well, I can try, but there‟s no guarantee it‟ll get through. Although I imagine—wait a second!” She peered closely at her screen. “Incoming transmission from the Copenhagen. That‟s the flagship,” she added, clearly for her captain‟s benefit. Nick braced himself in the chair. Here goes. The image of a Space Defense Corps officer with dark features and narrowed brown eyes appeared on the screen. His gaze immediately locked onto Nick‟s. “This is Admiral Gerald Moore of the Copenhagen. Identify yourselves at once.” “Admiral Moore, I‟m Captain Nick Venture of the Santa Maria. We‟ve just returned from the discovery of a new world in the 326

Once Upon a Time in Space Aquarius Galaxy. It‟s a habitable planet just like Earth, and we‟ve come to announce that it‟s ready for colonization.” The crew waited anxiously for the Admiral‟s response. Nick kept his expression neutral as he studied the man‟s reaction. Did he know about the planet or not? The Admiral might have been a statue, except for the occasional blink. His expression was equally inscrutable. Nick couldn‟t be sure because of a brief glitch in the transmission, but he thought he detected the slightest furrow in the man‟s brow. Then it was gone, and his forehead appeared as smooth as glass. “I very much doubt that‟s the case… Captain Venture.” The Admiral‟s condescending tone was unmistakable. “We have no records indicating clearance for your ship to launch, let alone travel beyond the designated sectors. Who authorized it?” Nick felt uncertain. They really needed Dr. Raj‟s guidance right now, not to mention the strings he could pull. Nevertheless, he decided it wouldn‟t be advisable to reveal the Collective‟s existence just yet. “A… private organization.” “Oh. I see. The A.F.E. is up to its old tricks again. Tell me, how much did they pay you to spread such inhumane lies?” Nick hadn‟t intended for the Admiral to assume the A.F.E. was behind the mission, but he let the ruse continue for the present. “It‟s not a lie. That planet is real. We have solid proof. Plants, minerals, food, and every kind of recorded data we could obtain.” “Wrong. The Space Defense Corps will not abide such insane propaganda. We exhausted all possibilities for colonization long ago.” “That‟s the lie, you bastard!” Anger and disgust surged through his bloodstream. Was there no limit to this military corruption? If someone as powerful as an admiral would lie so blatantly, how far would the rest of the Corps go to cover up its crimes? Or rather, 327

the crime they had been about to commit. Nick unfurled his indignation. “Let me tell you a little something about truth. I stand here today on behalf of the people who can‟t defend themselves against the Space Defense Corps, a military so corrupt and greedy it plans to wipe out all life on Earth so it can plant even more seeds of corruption on the new world. I stand here on behalf of the A.F.E., the only group willing to publicly oppose you. I stand here on behalf of Raquel Donovan and her family, who fought tirelessly for Earth‟s future. Yeah, I can tell you know about the way they were slaughtered! I don‟t know what you people have to gain by killing us all and taking over the new world, but it‟s immoral and reprehensible, and it ends now!” Admiral Moore sighed heavily. “You will stand down all weapons and prepare to be boarded immediately.” Nick spat. “Hell no.” Moore frowned. “We don‟t allow pirates and deluded conspiracy theorists to land here. You‟re all under arrest, and the ship will be confiscated.” “What for? We haven‟t broken any laws.” “Oh, most assuredly you have. Shall I transmit the list? It‟s quite long.” Nick shook his head. “Don‟t waste my time. Or yours.” He drew in a deep breath, knowing he had to keep talking in order to distract the Admiral. He had to buy them time for the Collective to take action, or at least for the possibility that his message would reach any enlisted men within hearing range of the transmission. Regular guys like himself who wanted more than a three-by-six cubbyhole for a home. The admiral snorted. “Imbecile. You prefer death?” Shit. Take it a little more slowly. “Admiral, my crew and I are here for one reason, and that‟s to inform the people of Earth that 328

Once Upon a Time in Space they have a second chance for survival. Earth has been dying for many years. It‟s a plain fact. This new planet is a gift, a chance for many people to have a proper life above ground, with enough resources to last if we use them right. I don‟t have to tell you how many people will die if relocation doesn‟t begin right now. All I‟m asking is clearance to broadcast our news and share the bounty. The proof is indisputable.” Admiral Moore shrugged. “Perhaps I haven‟t made myself clear. If you don‟t comply, we‟ll have no choice but to retaliate in selfdefense. It‟s really that simple.” “It‟s nothing but a buncha bullshit,” Twitch muttered. Nick could only stare at the screen. The willingness of the military to use such blatant force shocked him into silence. Either the Admiral was part of a cover-up of massive proportions, or he didn‟t know and was convinced that any non-military vessel had to be a pirate ship. Am I dealing with a robot? A thought occurred to him, though he kept the determined expression etched on his face. He could simply surrender. He and his crew might be allowed safe passage to Earth, albeit shackled in the brig of the Copenhagen. But that was the only way he‟d be able to guarantee the lives of his crew. Maybe, just maybe, they could spread the word while wasting away as prisoners the rest of their days. But Nick knew that a more devious option existed. He felt confident the Santa Maria‟s crew would make even more of a difference in the battle for Eden if they made the ultimate sacrifice. It would give the crusade more weight, more scope, and more power. It might also give the A.F.E. the boost it needed. Surely, it wouldn‟t be in vain. There was still Sammy and the Niña. Antonio might or might not take up the cause, but at the very least, he‟d spread the word among other pirates. Refocusing his 329

attention on the screen, Nick hoped his friends forgave him for setting the plan in motion without their consent. The decision made, he spoke loudly enough for his voice to ring clear and true. “If you‟re saying the Space Defense Corps is prepared to kill us for trying to save humanity, well, we‟re prepared to die. You can end our lives. But you can‟t silence our voices.” “Atta boy, Nick,” Twitch said. Subdued clapping by the others followed the navigator‟s statement. Admiral Moore stared at him in contempt, though a thin line of perspiration appeared on his upper lip. But when he spoke, it was with unrestrained vitriol. “As you wish,” he said. The transmission ended. Nick stared at the blank screen. One by one, the faces of his crew—his friends— flashed before his inner eye, and one thought dominated his mind. I‟m sorry. Several years earlier, he had woken in the middle of the night, shaken from sleep by the jolt of an earthquake as it rattled his tenement building. The manner in which the berth swayed and nearly buckled had been terrifying. As he lay trapped in the small space, the tremors had seemed endless. A few hours later, he discovered the adjacent building had collapsed, but his remained intact. Nick felt certain he wouldn‟t be so lucky this time. As plasma cannon fire and torpedoes rushed the Santa Maria, the initial impact felt a lot like that earthquake. Despite the safety harnesses, the detonations caused enough vibrations to shake the crew violently in their seats. Lights flashed, alarms screeched, and Twitch‟s hands manipulated the wheel so fast it was a blur. Moments later, Gideon cursed and unhooked his straps. “The 330

Once Upon a Time in Space shields are down, and we got a breach. Right in the bloody aft port hull.” He bolted toward the lift. “I‟m on it!” Nick hesitated to let the engineer take such a monumental risk. “Gideon!” The engineer shot him a reassuring look. “It‟s okay. A hull breach isn‟t something we can let slide. I have to try! Janice,” he called over his shoulder as he retreated, “tell Frank and Jimmy to meet me in the engine room!” Nick stared as the lift doors closed across Gideon‟s face. He wanted to follow, but really, what could he do other than provide a little muscle? Frantic movement in his peripheral vision snapped his attention back to the bridge. A large patch of sweat was visible across the navigator‟s back as he did his valiant best to steer the ship away from the incoming assault. Nick gritted his teeth, furious that he could do nothing to assist. Another impact blasted the Santa Maria, this time directly below the bridge. Then another. Violent shaking jarred him to the bone, and Nick wondered if this would be it. For several moments, he could only grip the armrests in fear. But as the assault continued, fear gave way to calm. If I give up my life for Earth, maybe I‟m not such a liability after all. The bridge held, but not for long. All around them, crackling sounds filled the air. Several consoles ruptured, spitting fire and smoke. Janice grabbed two emergency extinguishers and tossed one to Nick. They used them to suppress the fires as best they could. It was hot, dangerous work. “Mother of all hells!” Nick concentrated on stopping the fire before him, but called out over his shoulder. “What‟s happening?” “Fucking wheel‟s stuck!” With a final blast, Nick eradicated the hot spot and ran to 331

Twitch‟s side. Together, amid acrid smoke, they struggled to examine it. Standing in one place became a lesson in futility as the vessel heaved and rocked with turbulence from the attack. Twitch muttered unintelligibly, frustrated because the problem was not immediately apparent. From a nearby compartment, he searched among a collection of tools. But then a particularly violent tremor scattered them across the deck. Nick dove after them. “Never mind!” Twitch shouted. He pointed to the bottom part of the shaft. He had pried apart the unit that housed the base of the wheel. “Busted out and good. Navigation‟s gone to shit.” All Nick saw below the deck paneling was a molten, fused mass of metal and wires. “Can we fix it?” “Not under these conditions and not without Gideon‟s help.” Twitch grabbed a tool and threw it against the far side of the bridge. “Even then, I‟m pretty sure we don‟t have enough parts to replace the whole thing. We‟re nothing but a sitting—what did they used to call it? A fucking duck. Shit!” “Ah! They stopped blocking our transmissions.” Janice shot Nick an excited look, though it faltered quickly, tempered by their current predicament. “Who knows how long it‟ll last, but I‟m going to transmit our message right now!” Nick wiped a thick layer of sweat from his face. Well, it wasn‟t all for nothing, then. They might still die, but at least they would pass on knowing they had completed the mission. At the thought, some deeper instinct uncoiled. We‟re not dead yet. He discovered he wasn‟t ready to give up on the wheel, either, so he turned back to Twitch. “Should we call Gideon? Maybe we can rig something up.” “What‟s the point? We‟re better off with him working on that hull breach.” 332

Once Upon a Time in Space “True. But… you and I can give it a try.” Twitched nodded at him appraisingly. “That we could do.” Then his gaze left Nick‟s face and landed on Janice. He looked as if he wanted to tell her something. Nick‟s heart sank, and he glanced over the severely disabled navigation mechanism. Oh, fuck the wheel. Better give these two a chance to be alone, because there doesn‟t seem to be a way out of this. Before Nick could turn away, the jolting beneath the deck abruptly ended. The bridge grew considerably quieter. Stepping back from the wheel, he glanced around. “Did they stop?” He glanced at the main view screen and sucked in a breath. There were five or six times as many blips on the enlarged radar display than before, too many to count. Even Nick knew it was a horribly bad development. He fought to quell his churning gut. Eyes never leaving the screen, he gestured with his left hand. “Janice…?” “I see them! Hold on. I‟m checking signatures.” Twitch growled and started to pace, nursing a vicious looking burn on his right arm. “How many goddamn ships do they need against one?” Spittle shot from his mouth as he shouted at the screen. “Fucking cowards!” “Wait, Steve, they‟re not… well, some of them are… okay, that‟s weird. Some of these IDs are really old. I don‟t recognize them, not from our time in the Corps, anyway. I—” Why she paused, neither Nick nor Twitch could immediately discern. They watched as she suddenly adjusted her earpiece, tapped the screen a few times, and then spoke something into the receiver. “Janice, come on, what gives?” For the first time, Nick detected an undercurrent of fear in the navigator‟s voice. It made him realize how often he had used him as a gauge for his own feelings. If Twitch was calm, Nick was calm. 333

If Twitch was worried about something now…. “Oh my god.” She turned, holding up a hand for silence. “You‟re not going to believe this. We‟re receiving a copied transmission. We can see and hear but not respond. There‟s an image, too. I‟m switching it to the main screen. Now.” “Tell us already—” Twitch began. “Shh! Just watch and listen.” Nick faced the screen. He could only stare in utter shock as the blood drained from his face.

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Chapter Twenty-Seven There she sat, his pirate beauty, a vision of sultry and fierce magnificence. Janice rushed to his side and hurriedly whispered a report. His gaze fastened to the screen, Nick learned that while they had been struggling to contain the damages, vessels began materializing from jumps. Large vessels. Small vessels. Everything in between. Now they surrounded the Space Defense Corps fleet. Some, like the Deathraven, had jumped into position around the Santa Maria, forming a protective blockade. That was why the attack had stopped. The blips on the radar screen, Janice quickly explained, were pirate ships. Hundreds of them. Nick‟s chest began to hurt, and he realized it was because he had stopped breathing. He quickly gulped in air. Raquel had begun to speak. “Admiral Moore, the Santa Maria is under my protection, and the protection of this fleet. If any of your vessels fire at her again, we‟ll wipe out the whole lot of you. Do I make myself clear?” She swept her right hand up into a fist. “Make no mistake—another habitable planet exists. And colonization will begin as of now.” She paused, listening to the response. “That‟s a very ill-advised strategy, Admiral, although your arrogance doesn‟t surprise me in the least. Believe what you will, but neither the military nor the government can prevent it. Besides, I‟ve no doubt that some of your rank and file soldiers haven‟t heard the bad news. If the 335

Corps has its way, most of them will be executed rather than be allowed a place on the new world.” Her voice grew dangerously low. “Do you really want to go the way of the Fitzcarraldo and the Volador? What? You hadn‟t heard? Oh, that‟s right. You couldn‟t communicate with them because I single-handedly destroyed both vessels!” There was another pause. “Your threats of detainment and arrest mean nothing to me. Wait—” Raquel held up a hand and angled her head, listening in earnest to someone else. A triumphant smile broke upon her face. “There, you see? I‟ve just been informed that eight of your precious ships have broken rank to join my fleet.” Nick watched, thoroughly entranced. Would her ploy work? The last thing he had foreseen was the Santa Maria being caught in a cutthroat battle between Space Defense Corps brass and ruthless pirates. The vessel was dead in the water, so to speak. What‟s going to happen to us? Never mind that. Regardless of the answer, at least he had a chance to see her again. Even if this time was the last. Several tense moments elapsed as the face-off continued. Having stated her position, Raquel was now stone-faced and silent. Nick thought she had never looked more dangerous, or more beautiful. He was certain that if a battle ensued, she would be victorious. The Siren before him hardly needed battleships. She could wipe out the military fleet with a single, withering glance. Despite the deadly serious nature of the moment, Nick grew erect with embarrassing swiftness. He turned his attention to Janice, busy once again at her station sorting through the radar and communications data. “What‟s the status?” he asked. She turned to look at him, a relieved expression on her face. 336

Once Upon a Time in Space “We have our answer! The fleet is retreating!” Then she opened all channels, and an outpouring of cheers, claps, and hollers blasted their ears. The wave of exultation from the pirate ships washed over them like a cleansing rain. Janice leaped from her chair and grabbed him in a tight hug. Next she embraced Twitch, but for a much longer time. Nick clasped the navigator‟s proffered hand even as Janice still clung to him, jumping and squealing like a child. After exchanging a few words of mutual relief, Nick stared at Raquel‟s image for a long time. Could she see him? He wanted to ask Janice, but he couldn‟t muster the words. What if the worst happened? What if she had only shown up on behalf of the A.F.E? Icy claws wrapped around his heart and began to squeeze. What if she left him again? I couldn‟t stand it. It would be hell. Do something. Don‟t let her go again. The image blinked out, and he nearly shouted out his frustration. But then the image reasserted itself. Someone softly nudged his elbow. Janice. “You can talk to her now,” she said, smiling up at him shyly. Nick turned to face Raquel. At first, neither spoke. Only the background noises of the Santa Maria‟s gasping systems punctuated the silence between them. Conflicted emotions stripped the words from his throat. Was there any point in talking to her? Should he even hope? “Your ship is damaged,” Raquel said with an air of formality that made Nick cringe. “I‟ll send over a detail to help with repairs.” Now‟s the time and opportunity. Seize them both. “What about us?” Raquel wet her lips slightly before speaking. A groan escaped. He couldn‟t help it. The action reminded him 337

too much of what she had done to his body. She had ruined him. He wasn‟t having sex ever again if it wasn‟t with Raquel. Then, finally, she spoke again. “I was thinking… we should… talk. Privately.” Nick nodded. “I‟m coming aboard.” Her expression softened. “I‟ll be waiting.” Her image blinked out. Spinning on a heel, Nick darted toward the lift. “Nick! I‟m sorry—wait! Please!” Stopping just short of the lift, suppressing a growl, Nick looked back. His expression of barely-there interest certainly wouldn‟t win him any prizes. “Yeah?” “We‟re receiving another transmission.” Janice‟s expression grew solemn. “From the Office of the President.” “Well, I suppose I shouldn‟t keep him waiting.” Nick returned to the captain‟s station, remembering it was proper protocol to stand. He gestured his readiness and Janice opened the link. Only, it wasn‟t quite the President‟s image that appeared onscreen. Unless the Collective had pulled a few more strings than usual to plant one of their own in the country‟s highest political seat. Nick grinned. “Dr. Raj!” “Ho, doctor!” Twitch called out. “How the hell are you—I mean, how ya doin‟?” Janice simply waved in excitement as tears ran down both cheeks. Dr. Raj, appearing as meticulous as ever in a brilliant white suit, stared back at them with a proud expression. He was framed by the Oval Office, a replica in the spirit of the former after humanity‟s mass relocation underground. Pressing both palms together, he inclined his head. “Namaste. My friends, how relieved 338

Once Upon a Time in Space I am to see you. So sorry we could not contact you earlier. We made many attempts, but could not get through.” The doctor peered more closely at the screen. “Ah, Steve, my good man, you are injured! Is it very bad?” Turning red, Twitch dismissed the doctor‟s concern. “Well, be that as it may, be sure to seek prompt attention. I see that you all arrived more or less intact. How are Sammy and Lillian?” Nick swallowed. “Sammy‟s fine, Dr. Raj. He‟s back at Eden. Lillian… didn‟t make it. But I promise you, she didn‟t die in vain.” “Oh. Oh, I… I see.” Dr. Raj removed his glasses, pressed the bridge of his nose tightly between two fingers for a moment, and then replaced the lenses. “You can tell me about it when we meet under more settled circumstances.” Nick nodded. “Of course.” “At any rate, welcome back! Your message is now transmitting loud and clear. But before we discuss matters further, I would like to introduce you to someone.” As he stepped aside, the motion revealed someone sitting at the President‟s desk. Dr. Raj went to stand beside her. Extending a hand, he said, “I am so very pleased to introduce you to President Holly White, elected with an overwhelming majority vote in your absence.” Nick sucked in a breath as he remembered where he had heard the name before. Sitting before him was a woman in her forties, with auburn hair swept into a neat bun and clear, wise green eyes that appeared to scan everyone and instantly surmise the depths of their soul. This was the so-called “terra hater,” the one who had been vilified during the presidential race. At the Hellcat, he hadn‟t given the issue more than a passing thought. Nick then decided it was high time he paid much closer attention to politics. Obviously there was some kind of connection between 339

President White and the Collective. Perhaps even the A.F.E. He would be sure to question Dr. Raj later. Awe clouding his mind, Nick didn‟t know quite what to say. He simply tilted his head in greeting and added, “Madame President.” “Mr. Venture,” she responded, her voice pleasant. “It‟s an honor to meet you.” She gestured toward the doctor. “Dr. Raj tells me you‟re our only living link to Christopher Columbus.” Nick could only smile and shrug. The President smiled back. “Well, on behalf of Earth, I salute all of your efforts and sacrifices.” Then she leaned forward as a brow arched much too conspiratorially. “So let‟s ensure we do everything within our power to keep the line going, hmm?” Nick blanched, even as Twitch and Janice lapsed into helpless giggles. What the hell? But President White grew abruptly serious. “I‟ve only been given a preliminary briefing about this Space Defense Corps threat. Needless to say, the news is deeply disturbing. Currently my staff is reviewing all your findings. I assure you that you have the full support of the White House, Congress, and the Senate. Not only that, but I‟ve ordered an immediate investigation. Please believe me when I say that not everyone in the Corps or the government knew about this horrible plan.” Nick let his shoulders sag, relieved to hear that corruption hadn‟t eroded all of America. “Oh,” added the President, “I should inform you that there will be a lottery held for the first wave of colonists to the new world. Eden, isn‟t that right? You and your crews, Mr. Venture, are exempt as you automatically count as part of the first wave. Any family members are included, of course.” “Madame President.” “Yes, Mr. Venture?” 340

Once Upon a Time in Space Nick inquired about his former team at Omnigroup International. He probably told her more than she cared to hear, but nothing other than his strongest appeal would satisfy him. To his immense relief, the President promised to include them in the first wave. “Madame President,” Nick continued, speaking quickly in his eagerness to be heard, “we also received help from two pirates and their crews… uh….” President White raised a hand for silence and smiled at him warmly. “Just submit the list of names. We‟ll take care of it.” Nick clasped his hands in a gesture of thanks. After the President informed them that help was on the way, farewells were exchanged. Dr. Raj promised to contact them again soon. When the transmission ended, Nick stared at his comrades, although his mind was anywhere but focused. Once again, his loyal navigator came through with exactly the right words of encouragement. “Will you get the fuck out, Captain, and go to her already?” Twitch pulled Janice closer and they exchanged tired smiles. “We‟ve got things covered here.” He didn‟t need any more prompting. Adrenaline surging, he sprang toward his destiny. **** Nick raced to his cabin for a quick cleanup and a fresh set of clothes. Even if Raquel told him this was their last time together, at least he‟d get a proper chance to say goodbye. Stop thinking so negatively. Just chain her to the bed and be done with it. It turned out the docking bay was still intact, and so was Gideon—barely—whom Nick passed on his way to meet the shuttle Raquel had sent. The engineer, along with help from other members of the crew, had successfully patched up the hull. But it 341

hadn‟t been without hideous risk. Gideon suffered numerous burns and injuries. Eddie and a few assistants were escorting him to sickbay. Gideon raised a hand weakly in salute even as blood seeped from a wound in his side. When Nick offered to stay, the stalwart engineer waved him on with a wink. “You have more important business to take care of,” he said in a weak voice. Nick stared after them for a few moments. Could the news have traveled that fast? He boarded the shuttle, now empty except for himself and the pilot, and strapped in for takeoff. Restlessness plagued his movements during the flight to the Deathraven. Fifteen minutes seemed more like fifteen hours. Just when he was about to say “fuck it” and space-walk the rest of the distance, the pilot announced the final approach. Nick thanked her out loud. Inwardly he cursed. Somehow, despite his efforts to control his body, he was still physically aroused. One of Raquel‟s crew met him and provided an escort to her cabin. Then the man left, and Nick was alone, about to see her in person for the first time in months. He didn‟t know what he was going to say or do until he stepped through the hatch. Entering, he saw the pirate sitting at her console, tapping away. The screen went black upon his arrival. Nick admired her svelte figure for a moment, but his resentment and hurt resurfaced with indomitable force. Both demanded justice and resolution. Nothing less. When he spoke, his voice assumed a hard edge. “You lied to me, Raquel.” Stiffening, she turned slowly, her features set in a neutral expression. But her eye betrayed the well of anguish inside her. 342

Once Upon a Time in Space She spoke carefully. “About what?” “You know damn well. You let me go on and on, thinking we‟d start a life together, and then you disappeared. Left without a trace, knowing I couldn‟t follow.” Slowly, Raquel stood. “I never… specifically said I was staying….” Nick flung his arms wide. “What the hell‟s the difference?” He hadn‟t meant to shout, but he wanted the truth, and the only way he knew to coax her into being honest was to drive home the depth of his affection for her. So he kept talking. “Raquel, I wanted to share a whole planet with you. Not just any planet… but you never went there. You didn‟t see how beautiful it was, how pure and green. Then you—” Nick paused because his throat had tightened with heartache. “You… left. And then, I realized I couldn‟t live there without you by my side.” At that moment, he noticed her gun belt lying on the table. Which meant.... Oh, hell! That sight alone was enough to stimulate a rush of blood. The hot, aching tension between his thighs began to replace the bitter, angry tension in his heart. Raquel, however, didn‟t seem to notice how much it distracted him. She visibly swallowed. “You‟re right. There is no difference.” Rubbing her arms, she stepped closer. “I was wrong. I realize that now. The truth is, I came back because I didn‟t want to fail you—or Earth—the way I failed my family. If you hate me now, well, I understand.” “I don‟t hate you. But I need to know why you left.” “Because… I love you. I can‟t… I didn‟t want to hurt you!” Exasperated in spite of a declaration of devotion he had so ardently wanted to hear, he frowned. “What does that mean? Raquel, you‟re talking in circles.” At first, she remained silent. Nick feared he might have to shake 343

the information out of her. But then she cleared her throat. “Remember… do you remember when you asked about my bracelet?” He nodded. He remembered, all right. She fingered the circlet on her wrist and then crossed her arms. “The bracelet is more than a nostalgic piece of jewelry.” Her expression hardened. “In fact, it‟s not jewelry at all. It‟s part of my sentence.” Nick frowned. “What do you mean?” “Admiral Huston had his own special brand of punishment for convicts.” Her next words came out in a rush. “The bracelet is a wireless trigger for an implant in my brain. If I set even one foot on a mass with a strong enough gravity force—basically a planet or a moon—the implant will release a lethal dose of nitric oxide.” Her right hand shot up to cover her mouth, but the jagged sob escaped her. “That‟s why I can‟t visit Eden, Nick. Or any planet. I‟ll be dead before I hit the ground.” Aghast, Nick felt his chest constrict as though a battle cruiser had slammed into him. Goddamn motherfucking Huston! When would her pain ever stop? “One more thing. When his surgeon put it in, she went through my eye.” Chuckling ruefully, Raquel touched the patch. “A fashionable memento, wouldn‟t you say? See how clever Huston was? He‟s dead, but I‟m the one in hell.” Nick suddenly recalled Antonio‟s adamant warning that he not bring Raquel to the planet‟s surface. Christ! If I had forced the issue…. Her revelation spun sobering implications, but at first he could only think to question her about her former lover. “Does Antonio know?” She nodded. “Smiley knew as well. I swore them both to secrecy. So,” she continued, “now you know. I apologize for 344

Once Upon a Time in Space keeping you in the dark, but the truth is, I didn‟t want to tell you at all. I couldn‟t ask you to give up Eden for a dangerous life on a pirate‟s junk.” Then she turned around and buried her face in her hands. “Raquel, I am so sorry. I had no idea.” Her only response was stillness. Silence. The puzzle that was Raquel began assembling in his mind. No wonder she never disembarked to the phantom planet, or to Eden. He remembered her captain‟s quarters and the plants she had there, a telling symbol of the pain that gripped her when she was separated from Earth. But Huston‟s punishment had far-reaching consequences, because now she was barred from Eden as well. Such a cruel trauma she had endured. It cut him to the quick. “I‟m the one that‟s sorry,” she whispered. “I know how much you wanted us to live there. But it‟s impossible. At least for me.” Nick ran both hands through his hair, trying to collect his thoughts. Was he ready to surrender a planetary existence altogether? The answer came swiftly. He was. “To live or not live on Eden—that‟s my choice,” he told her. “It‟s my right to take the risks….” Then he stopped, feeling resentful that she hadn‟t told him about this in the first place. So much time wasted, he reflected, not to mention another of her damn secrets. Nick appreciated the monumental effort she must have invested in amassing the pirate fleet. He really did. Her action had saved his life yet again—and all of Earth‟s citizens. But essentially, she had been traveling behind the Santa Maria throughout the entire return journey, for all of those months he had spent in agony. It wasn‟t something he could easily forget, but he was trying to find a way to forgive her. 345

Nick knew he would follow Raquel anywhere throughout space and time. But she had broken his trust. “What I mean to say is this. I wish you had been more honest. In fact, if you had, I would have told you that I know someone who might be able to help. But you never gave me the chance. You said that you love me. But leaving me and withholding important personal information? How is that love, Raquel?” She turned slowly, rubbing her patch. “I thought… I mean, I was just trying to protect you.” “Protect me from what?” “Damn it, Nick. From me!” He jabbed a finger toward her. “Raquel, I don‟t need or want your protection.” The pirate before him recoiled. When a plump, shiny tear crested and slid down her cheek, he knew at once that his words hadn‟t come out the way he intended. Her gaze faltered. Lips parted to speak, but no sound emerged. Then she rushed him, all soft curves and feminine sweetness. Moist lips pressed against his neck while her hands darted southward, struggling to undo his pants. The next thing he knew, her ascot slipped to the deck. Roughly, he grabbed her by the arms, forcing her attention— and her touch—away from his massive erection. Why couldn‟t she see that his love was strong enough for both of them? He clutched her hard, hard enough that she shook. “Don‟t you understand? It‟s not only about the sex!” She flexed her hands uncertainly. “I know. I‟m sorry! But I don‟t know how else to make it up to you. It wouldn‟t be fair for you to give up the new planet on my account. Especially not after you worked so hard and sacrificed so much.” Another tear slipped out. “After leaving, I realized that I wanted to be near you, always. 346

Once Upon a Time in Space Even if it meant endlessly orbiting Eden for the rest of my life.” Raquel began to sink, head bowed, her hands trailing a gentle path down his body as if it were the last time she could ever touch him. “I‟d do it even if you hated me, and if I‟d… if I‟d burn in hell for all eternity!” Abruptly, she collapsed in a shuddering, sobbing crouch at his feet. Nick stared down at her. The vision of her, so sad and defeated, had not been his intention. Emotions ran wild as she cried. He hated being angry with her, but surely she could comprehend why. Nick set his lips into a thin line of contemplation. Perhaps the situation had changed. He couldn‟t ignore the fact that she had returned to him. And there was something else. Her miserable state shouldn‟t have sparked any kind of sexual thrill. But it did. She was baring feelings that hadn‟t seen the light of day for who knew how long. Raquel was vulnerable. Nick was strong. He formed a fist in determination. From now on, I‟ll be the one doing the protecting. But he would tell her that later. After guiding the pirate back to her feet, Nick crushed her lips with a tenacious, consuming hunger, making her good eye snap open widely in shock. But she eagerly returned the passion. He felt her body grow pliant and yielding against him. As her breasts smothered his chest, the hotspicy scent of her skin instantly drugged him. Nick soon discovered that this exchange was different. The long absence made the kiss sharper, more exquisite. It left him breathless. There was so much ecstasy to remember and recapture. The heat of her breath. Soft lips. Strong, smooth teeth. With a low growl, he dipped his tongue deeper into her mouth. It felt so good, so good! He berated himself for waiting as long as he had. The absence also lent the sex a new kind of urgency. Drawing 347

apart, they undressed each other as quickly as their fingers could move, tearing off clothes in a mutual fit of desperation. When she stood nude before him, Nick bent his head to her breasts and drew first one nipple, then the other, into his mouth so he could feel once again the hard flesh piercing his tongue. Both hands gripped her bottom and he pressed her tightly against him, merging their loins in the exchange of heat. Her hands stroking his hair, Raquel threw back her head and moaned. Whether to assert his dominance or his raging lust, Nick wasn‟t sure, but before she could react, he spun her around and bent her over the table. She rewarded him with a gasp of surprise. Kneeing her long legs wide apart, he positioned himself behind her. Grasping both hips, he dug his fingers deep into the creamy skin. After achieving the optimum angle, he slid his cock in just a little, to test her wetness. As he had hoped, tender folds of hot, slick flesh awaited him. With one forceful shove he entered her completely. Raquel grabbed the table for support and wiggled her bottom higher. He took it as an invitation to lightly slap and knead her there. Then he turned his attention to more important matters, namely, flexing his buttock muscles and rolling his hips back and forth. While he fucked her, she lowered her head, and her hair cascaded away to reveal perfectly formed shoulders. Nick couldn‟t tear his gaze away from the long expanse of her back, and the way it twisted and stretched in response to his thrusts. He reached around and probed beneath her in order to speed the ripening of her sex. Three or four hands would have been better, letting him fondle her breasts and belly at the same time. In the end, he had to satisfy himself with frenzied, random groping. The deeper he penetrated, the harder Raquel squeezed him. He forced her thighs apart wide, as wide as he could stretch them. 348

Once Upon a Time in Space Then he fed his pleasure with a series of quick, punishing thrusts. He grunted constantly, twisting his body this way and that. Belatedly, he realized he might have been too rough, and he slowed down. Raquel‟s right arm shot back to clutch at his thigh, sealing them together completely. “Nick… don‟t stop. I‟m coming!” Her plea made him harder than he could stand. When he climaxed, it was neither gentle nor tame. Wild visions exploded in his mind, like copious amounts of his seed filling her to overflowing and spilling from her sex… from her mouth… from everywhere. Amid his own ragged gasps and between her cries of pleasure, he revealed how very much he loved her, and how very much he needed and wanted her. But he didn‟t tell it only to Raquel. He shouted it out to the stars.

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Chapter Twenty-Eight In all of her years roaming the sea of stars, Raquel Donovan had seen many extraordinary sights. But never had she witnessed one as humbling and awe-inspiring as the very first exodus from the planet Earth. Who could have guessed that a ragtag pirate fleet would help transport the initial batch of colonists to the new world? Indeed, that pirates would have been given the honor of joining the passage at all! Her eye burned with tears, thinking of so many outlaws reunited with family and dear friends, and journeying to a superior new home. She thought it served a certain justice, as well. Despite the greed and corruption of Huston‟s Space Defense Corps faction, it didn‟t stand a chance against basic evolution. Humanity needed to survive and adapt. Adding more poignancy to the phenomenon, it was a time for the Advocates For Expansion to shine. All the long, difficult years of her father‟s work had finally come to fruition. Nick Venture helped make that happen, Raquel knew. With some shame, she reflected on the initial wave of disbelief that had hit her when he informed her about his mission. A fool‟s mission, she had called it. Yet, it was she who had been the fool. Blinded by more than the loss of an eye, her selfishness had nearly destroyed humanity‟s future. Luckily for the human race, Nick emerged as a leader at a time when they most needed one. She was glad, very glad he had thwarted her efforts the day she hijacked his ships. Since then, mostly subconsciously, Raquel had been driven to help. In an unconventional way, she had carried on her father‟s 350

Once Upon a Time in Space crusade. She hoped his spirit would remember the good she had accomplished, and forgive the bad. While standing on the Deathraven‟s bridge, Raquel had watched the main screen as the pirate ships blinked into subspace. Soon after, she made the same journey herself and remembered feeling giddy with anticipation. She had wondered why she didn‟t feel sad. Years earlier, in a more innocent time, she believed a moment like this would call for tears. Leave Earth? How could she? Yet, she had felt nothing. No sadness, no anger. What did it mean? Was she finally beginning to leave her pirate ways behind? The answers had eluded her. Just as those thoughts swirled through her mind, a hand descended upon her shoulder. Raquel wasn‟t alone on the bridge, but she wondered what business any of her crew had behind her station. Turning to make an inquiry, she had been startled to see the image of her father. He was smiling. As he faded away, she heard him whisper, “You‟re happy… happy…you‟re happy.” That encounter had prompted tears. Now, she couldn‟t believe nearly a year had passed since Nick and his three ships first came within her sight. She wondered what her father would think of this Christopher Columbus descendent. It wouldn‟t have been long before they were friends, though. Of that, she was certain. Nick, with his easy smile and pleasant temperament. David Donovan, the rakish intellectual and visionary with a wicked sense of humor. She knew her father couldn‟t possibly have foreseen the tragic turn her life took, but when she was a teenager, he had once spoken words that proved to be eerily prescient. “Raquel, the only man worth having is one who‟s willing to embrace all the dark parts of your personality. Find that man, and 351

you‟ll find peace.” It was when she remembered his words that she came to her senses. They was the catalyst behind her decision to rally the pirates and return to Nick, no matter the personal cost. Raquel had needed to believe she had a soul worth saving. The chance for redemption had come. This time, she had accomplished the task minus the bloodshed and loss of life. Her family, she hoped, would have been proud. She adored this man, her brave explorer and her hero, now staring down at her as a kaleidoscope of colors from the sunset splashed the horizon behind his silhouetted figure. The wet, heavy sand beneath her back was the most intense sensation she‟d ever experienced. Solid ground. Fresh air. Vibrant water. She had trembled violently the first time her feet and hands touched the new world. Eden. So aptly named! Warm, salty ocean water lapped at her legs and teased her sex as Nick parted her thighs, ready to impart a universe of pleasure to her once again. As she drank in the sight of him with both eyes, she gave silent thanks to the Collective doctor who had removed the implant and lovingly restored her vision. And with a deep kiss, she also gave thanks to Nick. At long last, the woman he loved was free of her skeletons and ghosts.

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About The Author Heather Massey is a lifelong fan of science fiction romance. She searches for sci-fi romance adventures aboard her blog, The Galaxy Express. And for European readers, she blogs about the subgenre for Germany‟s premier romance magazine, LoveLetter. When she‟s not reading, she‟s watching cult films and enjoying time with her husband and daughter.

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