Chapter 9

Zarkov had worked on the rift opener, had eaten and finally found to sleep. He did not find it unusual that Flash and Baylin did not return to the hideaway at once. And he got known why. In the morning he made himself on the way to the steep house to eat and drink and had listened open-mouthed to the news about Ming's new bond mate.

Dale had a big problem to his opinion.

Now in the night Flash and Baylin returned. He could easily see that their mood was down and depressive. So no good news then.

"I've already…uhm…heard that Dale…hm…is bonded" he said in his always nervous sounding voice.

"Yes, and according to Aura she wants us to be safe and well. This bond is a trick to get us and the IMEX." Baylin sighed deeply.

"Dale is about to work against him from within" Flash added slowly "She seems to be more worried about us than herself."

"And now?" Zarkov asked.

"How long do you need to fix the IMEX?"

"Already done…uhm…nearly done, I mean. I need a few…my lab."

"Well, we jump back to Earth for a couple of days before we'll come back to help Terek and Aura to bring Ming down."

"And we're leaving Dale here?" Zarkovs eyes went wide, "I mean, even if she said so…"

"Hey, it's hard, Zarkov, I know, we all know, but perhaps Dale is right and it's really the best to split and work on all bases."

"Oh…ok."

Baylin and Flash eyed the other one, they nodded to each other. They would jump back to Earth very early in the morning and return somewhere within the next few days. Flash planned to contact Dale's parents to tell them Dale was safe and they would not need to worry. He needed to tell them something since Dale was not able to call them on her own. Probably he had to tell them furthermore about Dale's bond to the leader of Mongo.


Tired she made her way to the bed. Ming was busy again, urgent meeting, so it was called. So she was alone again. She undressed in the dressing-room and put on the nightgown then she went to bed.

Did she need to wait for him? He had his fun last night and she did not plan to allow him to touch her again so soon. Since she was his equal he could not force her to intercourse or any other intimacy. She would probably kiss him, but not more. They barely knew each other, and she did not love him. But Dale knew she had to learn to accept him at least. She hoped she would not need to learn to lovehim.

Aura had told her that her father seemed not to want any more children so Dale should not be afraid to get pregnant. Dale was not that sure he did not want any other children. Perhaps no more heirs, but that did not include any offspring!

She had gotten no pills or anything else to might prevent a pregnancy, but maybe Ming took something that prevent an impregnation.

She decided to ask him about his plans for family planning. The more she knew the better was she able to influence him. She did not want a child from Ming.

Her bond mate went into bed very late again.

"May I have a word with you?" she sat up on her side of the bed.

"Of course, Dale. What is it?"

His voice was tired sounding and surely he had a lack of sleep since he had not slept very long last night.

"I just want some information fromyou, Ming" she started. "Do you want children?"

Ming started to laugh; he smiled all over his face. He caressed her cheek.

"Oh, Dale,…"

"Please answer me."

"Well, children are a gift to their parents. I have already an heir, but…yes."

Dale gulped. So he really wanted her to bear him an offspring.

"As soon as possible" he added, nearly a whisper in her ear, his hand caressing her slowly. As he wanted to kiss her she turned away.

"Ming…, please. I'd just asked you, I didn't mean…"

"Why, dear? Some pleasure will do us good."

"Pleasure? Yours or mine?"

"Our pleasure, Dale."

He bent over her and started to kiss her hard. Dale sighed; she tried to push him away carefully, but failed. He was too powerful for her. Finally she yielded in; she answered his kisses and his caresses. It was hard to accept any intimacies with him, and since he admitted to want children, it was even harder. Any intercourse might get her pregnant. But probably he was too tired to fulfil it completely. That might give her time to think it over and to ask for prevention. Izah or Aura would help her. For sure!


So far for a quiet night. Ming has fallen asleep while Dale laid awake next to him. He had not been too tired to sleep with her. He stole herself away from his arms and his naked skin. His body was warm, but he did not make her feel comfortable. Quietly she stood up and went to the bathroom. She felt as having a need for a bath or at least a shower. So she locked herself in the bathroom and took a shower. A short one. Water was expensive on Mongo, a luxury. Avoiding a look into the mirror she combed her hair. Why was there no alternative for her to spend the night? No second bedroom? She could try to catch some sleep on one of the couches in the living-room, but she already knew by now that these couches would no do any good to her back.

"You're awake?" she heard him saying as she laid down again next to him. His eyes were closed but he was nonetheless not in his dreams.

"I didn't feel well" she answered honestly, sighting.

Ming opened his eyes and sat up. Dale was able to see his bare chest. For a man his age he was good-looking and attractive. Even to her eyes.

"Do you want to consult a doctor, dear?"

"No, thanks."

He sighed deeply, then: "You miss Earth, don't you?"

"Yes. But that wasn't hard to guess!"

"I think it might be possible for you to travel to Earth from time to time to visit your family" he suddenly said. Much to Dale's surprise.

"You would allow me to visit my family?"

"Of course, probably I'll come with you then."

"Sure; and my father would kill you the minute he sees you!"

Ming laughed: "Why should he?"

"Although you're his son-in-law you have forced me into this mess. That's quite a good cause, isn't it?"

Ming just laughed and pulled her close to him. She found herself in his embrace.

"I think we made a good couple, dear" he whispered and kissed her on her lips. His hand caressed her waist tenderly. "You're such a beauty."

"Ok, now we know you're charming, Ming…" she stopped. "You know you won't get any information about Flash or the IMEX? You know your plans have failed, don't you?"

Her voice was deep, a whisper, barely audible. But Ming had listened to her; she could see it in his eyes. His blue eyes very incredible intensive, she had never met a human being with such eyes before. Even Terek although born with Ming's eyes had not such intensive ones.

"Ì am not sure if it's really a failure, dear. My plans are…let's say I have to make some changes to fix them, but honestly I must admit I did not reach my aims."

"Well?"

"It doesn't matter so far. I will not fail in the meaning of failure."

"And the prophecy?"

He sighed, his hands caressing her cheeks.

"I know you're afraid of it" she added.

"So?" was the only word he answered, his eyes fluttering. It was as if he was searching for words but did not find any. But Dale started massaging his neck. She did not get it why she was massaging him, but he apparently liked it very much.

"It's ok" she whispered and pulled him towards her. Kissing him out of her own initiative was quite a new experience to her…and him. But the moment she felt his lips upon his was incredible. For the very first time she allowed herself to feel comfortable in his presence. She had gone over her limits and she was aware she had. But in this very moment it did not matter her.