Esserru

by Echo Dancer

Ztar has come again for Archangel, only this time it's not just for a brief visit. Our two mutants are heading off to Ztar's throneworld. The Turzent/Commonwealth war is over and Ztar wants to live a more settled life. Warren is not happy.

10. Chapter 10

Greetings one and all! Well, this chapter is a big one – a major story arc comes to a conclusion, as well as minor ones. But as those conclude, another seemingly benign issue is raised. For my two devoted reviewers, I hope you'll find a little something especially for each of you here.

Happy reading!

Chapter Ten

The man sitting in front of Sukja was tortured – it was written on his face and in how he held his body. Sukja was becoming increasingly more concerned about Ztar by the day. There was but one reason for the Emperor's distress – Archangel. The fear of losing the human had the Emperor in a fierce grip.

"How long before a final decision is needed?"

"Soon. The document cannot be finalized without it. The wording of that Accord goes against the very foundation of the constitution. So to keep the Accord alive, I would have to be granted special powers to uphold it." Ztar slowly shook his head. "Sukja, that's just not a viable option. The messages it would send are all wrong!"

"There are no other alternatives?" Sukja probed, but he already knew the answer.

"None that wouldn't also result in Archangel's contempt." The Emperor's body shuddered with the emotions he was trying to hold at bay.

"With no options to hold him, my Emperor, it becomes Archangel's choice."

Ztar closed his eyes against that truth and the pain it caused his soul. "Yes, Sukja. The choice I denied him four years ago will finally be his and his alone. But this time, there is no reason for him to stay. Earth will no longer be at stake. I will have no threat – no power over him." A tear fell in defiance of the Emperor's will. "He will leave me, Sukja. There is not a single reason he will not!"

Ztar was in anguish. Archangel's recent decision to be more of a true companion to Ztar only made this harder on the Emperor. Perhaps in hindsight, it would have been better if Archangel hadn't done so. Ztar had gotten a taste of what a more full relationship was, and now the pain was even deeper at the thought of losing it.

"I wish with all my being that things could be different." Sukja knew the Emperor was right. Why would Archangel stay? He could fathom no reason.

"Then pray for a miracle, Sukja. A miracle is the only way I see Archangel staying."

As Sukja left the despondent Emperor, he agreed. Only a miracle would give Ztar everything he wanted – his new empire as he fully envisioned it and Archangel. Sukja could not see where any amount of manipulation or suggestion would be enough to cause the human to decide to stay with the Emperor after he was freed. Time was not on their side. It would be futile to try. If Ztar was unwilling to force Archangel to stay, his companion was certainly lost to him.

But Sukja was encouraged by Ztar's struggle. Four years ago, three – maybe even fewer – Ztar may not have struggled so with the decision. He would have found a way to keep Archangel against his will. He would not have been capable of this sacrifice. Not only had Ztar grown so much as to be unwilling to compromise his dream for his own self-gratification, but he was unwilling to hold onto Archangel against his will because he loved the human enough to let him go. Selfless love. How far the Emperor had come!

The years that Sukja had spent trying to guide the Emperor toward this moment were finally coming to fruition. Yet Sukja had to give credit were credit was due – likely these last crucial steps would not have been possible without Archangel in Ztar's life. When Sukja first saw Archangel, the most he had dared hoped was for the human to be the one to finally satisfy the Emperor in the bedchamber. Never in Sukja's wildest dreams could he have imaged how much of an impact this one person would have.

Sukja didn't believe in fate, but perhaps there was a greater force at work that brought those two individuals together. In retrospect, Archangel came into Ztar's life at the perfect time – not too soon and not too late.

But what would the ramifications be of losing Archangel? Would all the progress made be lost, partially lost, or hold? Would Ztar become so despondent as to be unable to guide the Empire during the next critical year? Would he emotionally survive losing his companion? Those questions frightened Sukja.

If only Archangel would stay, but he had no reason to do so. It would be too much to ask of any one, but especially considering the history between the two men. Sukja could not begin to image what it would be like getting out from under four years of bondage. Yes, Archangel would choose freedom. Sukja would if he was the human.

And Sukja allowed himself to be happy for Archangel, while he feared for Ztar.

###

Warren was on edge and everyone around him seemed to be also. The Emperor wasn't happy was the general consensus, in spite of the man's attempt to put on a good front. Even so, people picked up on the subtle signs and undercurrents. Ztar was not himself, but very few people knew why. Warren had pretty much deduced it had to do with Earth, and therefore, him. He wasn't being egotistical, but he knew Ztar. Ztar wanted him. The new constitution likely freed Earth, although Warren had no proof of that. If correct, a free Earth logically meant Warren could leave. That would distress the Emperor greatly.

Despite his attempts, no one would confirm Warren's theory. Not Sukja and certainly not Ztar. When he asked, all he got were half-answers or smoke and mirrors. Warren hadn't been offered the chance to read the draft constitution, so no answers through that route. Yet he was still convinced the Emperor would find a way to ensure he remained. But at what price to the Emperor and possibly the new imperiocratic order? What would Ztar need to sacrifice to keep Warren in bondage?

The bigger question Warren needed to answer kept nudging him. If Ztar found a way to ensure his continued servitude, how would Warren handle that? He didn't know. He would be more than a little angry – that was a given. Would he feel the need to renege on his commitment to Ztar? Or would he choose to stay the course in hopes of someday reaching his ultimate goal?

'Damn the whole fucking situation!' he yelled in his head. Too much guessing; too much information he didn't have. All he wanted was to know where he stood. Couldn't someone just tell him?

The royal trio wasn't so happy these past couple weeks and the tension was affecting nearly everyone in the palace.

###

The master gardener was busy pruning a bed of shrubs near the reflecting pool on the sunset side of the palace. As late afternoon sun bathed the grounds, the heat of the day had dissipated and now it was quite comfortable.

Warren landed near Moit'de. He felt a need to talk with someone more detached from the situation. Atichi came first to mind, but he knew from Sukja that she was visiting family on Ozjaer. Moit'de was the next choice. Warren was about to break a rule of his – don't talk about personal matters with subordinates; that just leads to messy and uncomfortable situations. But Warren had few choices on this alien world and Moit'de had shown himself to be a man of simple wisdom.

"Good evening!" the gardener greeted with a broad smile. "This one of my favored times – day near end, sun low, peaceful."

"I would have to agree, even though I love mornings."

"Each special – no choose one over other. Enjoy both!"

"No arguments from me." Then Warren took a deep breath, "Do you have time to talk?"

Moit'de stopped his work and his face became serious. "Yes, Archangel. Perhaps we sit?"

Warren nodded and they made their way to a bench overlooking the reflecting pool. The palace's image shimmered like a mirage in the water. Warren watched the reflection for several seconds before speaking. Moit'de, to his credit, allowed Warren the time to gather his thoughts without interruption.

"What I tell you is confidential. It can't go beyond the two of us."

"I understand, Archangel. It go to grave with me, that I vow."

Looking at the gardener, Warren believed it would. He exhaled slowly. "It's about Ztar, the new constitution, my homeworld, and me. I need a fresh perspective. Are you still willing?"

Moit'de nodded.

"The first thing you need to understand is that I'm not here willingly. Ztar is holding my home planet hostage to ensure I stay with him. It's been that way for four years. I stay with him to protect my world."

Moit'de raised his eyebrows, but only nodded to indicate his understanding.

"But with the new constitution, I suspect Earth will be freed. Ztar hasn't said that, but all indications say that will be the case. At least it should be. If Earth is freed, then in theory, so should I." Warren paused to regain his composure – he found himself the brink of tears. He blinked them back.

"And Ztar now unhappy," Moit'de summed up succinctly. "Explains much," he added.

"It gets more complicated. I decided several weeks ago to- to be more of a…companion to Ztar. He has many hurts that need healing. He needs to become whole again. So many bad things happened to him and happened because of him. I thought I could help…" Warren voice broke slightly, and he swallowed hard. "I felt at the time he'd never release me without healing…that if he healed, he might eventually let me go."

"Ztar planted in bad soil long time. Much hurt and hate. Ztar not love self – feel unworthy. Selfish many years trying to fill void."

Warren cocked his head at the gardener. "I think that sums it up pretty well."

Warren felt so torn about his plight. How to put that into words that Moit'de would fully understand?

"Sukja has worked very hard to help Ztar. You and Sukja encouraged me to do the same and I decided five weeks ago to do that. I can't know for sure, but I think I am making a difference. And even though that much was my choice, I am still bound to Ztar legally. But, damn it Moit'de, no one will tell me what happens after the constitution!" Warren felt his anger rise at the frustration. "Will I still be bound or will I be free? If I'm bound…god, I don't know if I could accept that! But I'm certain Ztar will find a way to keep me here. He's given no indication that's he's ready to let me go. But if I'm free, do I go? Do I stay? To be the leader the Empire needs, Ztar should be emotionally whole. Does Ztar need me here for that to be the case? I don't know what to do, especially this next year." Warren finished in exasperation.

"Your choices?" Moit'de pressed.

"I'm rambling, aren't I?" Warren regathered his thoughts. "I can simply wait and see what happens. Ztar may find a way to keep me despite whatever the constitution may say about planetary freedom. Perhaps he won't revoke the Accord or he finds another way to keep me here. Either way, Ztar would be happy. Truthfully, though, I don't know how I would react. But we wouldn't have to worry about Ztar's emotional state during the critical year ahead as the government transitions."

"Earth perhaps bound. Archangel bound. Little choice for Archangel," the gardener recapped.

Warren nodded agreement. "Or I can choose to tell Ztar now that I will stay regardless of what happens with Earth. If his struggle is choosing between releasing Earth to fully realize his new empire and keeping me, then I can end that struggle by promising to stay. That means willingly binding myself to Ztar for god knows how long. But again, we wouldn't have to worry about Ztar during the transition."

"Earth free. Archangel bound. Archangel choice one."

"Yes. Or again, I can wait and see what happens. Perhaps Earth will be freed automatically under the constitution. Then I'm free to leave in theory. I could choose to leave."

"Earth free. Archangel free. Choice two."

"Right. But if I make that choice, what happens to Ztar? He still seems so needful. Maybe he would be fine after a while if I leave, but my instincts tell me he would not. The empire needs his strength and focus through the transition ahead. I don't want to jeopardize the transition by a less than stable Emperor at the helm."

"Stay freely. Choice three." Moit'de said simply.

"But if I am free, I can go back home! Or anywhere I want to go. I'm not sure I want to stay in a relationship that's not- that's not natural for me. That'll never be right for me." Warren felt the heat rise in his face.

Moit'de gazed into Warren's eyes and then the gardener's own widened in comprehension. "You not choose male companions?"

Warren shook his head.

"Difficult choice you made weeks ago," Moit'de said, patting Warren's knee.

Warren had to swallow a few times to fight down the emotions that were ready to boil up. After a minute, he felt he could speak again. He appreciated that Moit'de didn't try to fill the gaps in the conversation – it was one of the things that made him such a good listener.

"At the time, it appeared to be the only road to eventual freedom," he admitted.

"If Ztar changed and grown, he let you go," Moit'de said encouragingly.

"That's just it – I'm not sure he's capable of that yet. That's selfless love, Moit'de. To love someone enough let them go. He does tell me he loves me, but that may still be possessive love. If he can't bring himself to let me go, then he will find a way to keep me. Yet could he justify holding my world hostage and under the threat of slavery while freeing every other star system in the Empire?"

The gardener could not answer that and simply waited for Warren to continue.

"If he does free Earth and still keeps me here against my will, I'm not sure I could forgive that. I don't think I'm that noble. If only I knew for certain what Earth's status was going to be, where I stand, it would makes my options more clear."

Moit'de did not reply, but sat quietly obviously contemplating his response. So Warren said no more and watched the reflections in the pool. It had a calming effect.

"Ztar loves you," Moit'de finally said.

"He says he does. I believe he does in his own way," Warren sighed.

"Ztar does. Obvious to all. You make Emperor happy," the gardener confirmed. "Are you happy? Content? Sad?"

Warren thought for a moment, and his answer actually surprised him a little. "All three, actually. Some days as happy as possible under the circumstances. Other days…not so much. Most days, content enough – given I have little choice but to be here."

"Ztar treat you well?"

"Now he does. That wasn't always the case. I think he's been trying to make amends. Ztar has changed much in that area."

"Anger drove Ztar too long. You are good for Emperor," Moit'de smiled.

"But what to do now? He's been upset and agitated for a couple weeks now. It gets worse every day. I get the feeling the clock is ticking for Ztar on a decision – likely about Earth under the constitution, but again I don't know because he won't talk to me. And when I asked Sukja, he just gave me some vague reply about what fear does to one's thinking."

"What do you fear, Archangel?" Moit'de twisted the thought around.

Warren was confused. "What do you mean?"

"What you fear most?"

"Him keeping me…Ztar not being emotionally stable if I go…"

Moit'de turned more toward Warren and his voice grew softer. "Two fears, same root."

"How so?"

"Fear what happen if not finished with Ztar."

Warren considered the gardener's words. "I think I see what you're getting at. Because he hasn't finished healing, he could force me to stay. Yet if he let's me go, he may not be ready for that either. Two fears, same root cause – he's not healed."

Moit'de was quiet for several seconds before speaking again. "A gardener put some plants by others to help weak plants be stronger. Like dayfras be close to young lixcheons. Dayfras shade lixcheons in hot summer. Dayfras keep edger bugs from lixcheons with special scent. Dayfras help lixcheons grow. Once lixcheons big, no longer need dayfras. Lixcheons strong enough to be on own. Universe sometimes like gardener. Put people where they needed. Perhaps put you with Ztar. Help him grow. Once Ztar strong enough, Archangel go."

"So you believe my being here is destiny?" Warren didn't believe in fate.

"Destiny? Not quite right. You here perhaps for purpose. Something you need to do – only you can do. These choices may be what needed to finish with Ztar. Maybe without choices, no more be done…cannot finish."

Warren rolled that idea around. "If I'm understanding correctly, you're saying that I might be here for a purpose – help Ztar. That this situation with the constitution is forcing choices. Ztar choosing whether or not to let me go, and me choosing whether or not to stay. And that the only way to help Ztar move forward is through these choices. Is that what you're saying?"

"Yes," Moit'de nodded enthusiastically. "But right choices must be made by both."

"Ztar must choose to let me go, and I must choose to stay." Warren wasn't sure he liked the conclusion he drew.

"What Archangel's soul say?"

Moit'de would have to ask that. Warren had followed what his heart/soul told him to do when he decided to become a willing companion to Ztar. It told him to make the sacrifice with hopes for eventually regaining his freedom by healing Ztar. When it came right down to it, Warren already knew what he needed to do for Ztar's sake. The question was what did he want to do versus what was he willing to do?

"I'm not sure yet, Moit'de. But thank you. You have given me a different way of looking at things. I'll think about what you've said," Warren said rising from the bench.

Moit'de stood and looked into Warren's face with earnest. "Universe wise. Of all beings, you chosen to help Ztar. Archangel must be very strong. Take strong one to help Emperor."

"I don't feel very strong at times. Thanks, again. It's getting late, you should call it quits for the day," Warren added as the gardener picked up his pruning shears.

And with that, Warren leapt into the air. Moit'de's words did give him another perspective to consider: Purpose. Warren had always felt that sometimes people come and go in our lives for a reason. When that purpose has been accomplished, the person often drifts away, and usually only in hindsight do we realize the difference they made in our life at just the right time. Maybe there was something to what Moit'de said about Warren being in Ztar's life. But, Jesus, did it have to come with such a fucking high price?!

###

Ztar approached Archangel with some hesitation. He still wasn't sure he should be doing this, but Sukja had encouraged him. If Archangel left by this evening, he'd make it in time.

"Archangel, I have an offer for you," he started, sitting down across from his companion on their balcony where the human had just eaten lunch.

Archangel looked up. "What kind of offer?"

"It's regarding Drex." At the mention of the man's name, something flickered across Archangel's face and Ztar felt a jerk in their empathic connection. "His trial concluded a few days ago."

"Really? That was fast," Archangel looked down at the table. "They didn't need my testimony? Or Sukja's?"

"Sukja testified by comlink several days ago."

Warren was stunned. The trial come and gone and he had been kept in the dark? He should be very angry, but he couldn't find the will. "Why didn't you say anything? Why didn't I have to testify?"

Ztar knew this might be a sticky subject. "It wasn't necessary, Archangel. There was already so much evidence against him, it would have been redundant. Sukja's testimony was sufficient." Ztar let it go with that, feeling the less said the better. He did not wish to share with Archangel that he had told Starjamas'de in no uncertain terms that Archangel was not to testify.

Warren nodded. He chose to accept that explanation for now. "You should have told me," was all he said.

"Perhaps. But perhaps it was best this way, Archangel. It is over and you didn't have to relive that day again."

Warren considered that for several moments. It was a relief, he admitted to himself. No fretting, no stewing while he anticipated the trial. It was over and done with while he was blissfully unaware. "Maybe you're right. You said you had an offer?"

"Drex received a death sentence. He will be executed the day after tomorrow. You are entitled to see him before he dies."

"See Drex?! Why would I want to do that?" Warren couldn't image why he'd want to see his torturer again.

Ztar leaned closer to his companion and took his hand. "You will be free to say anything you wish. This right is granted to victims and their survivors for a reason. It can be very freeing to face your attacker when you have the power and tell them what you've thought of saying for weeks. Drex will be the helpless one this time."

Warren's head was whirling. Was this something he wanted to do? "I don't know."

Ztar's soften his voice even more. "The guards at Ennovoc prison will not intervene if you choose to do more than talk."

Warren looked sharply up into Ztar's eyes. He knew what Ztar was suggesting. An opportunity to exact a bit of revenge on the man who had hurt him so deeply was tempting.

"When do I need to decide?"

"You would need to leave tonight. Tomorrow is the last day for visitors. The Mi-Lartui is on standby."

"I'll let you know this afternoon."

Ztar got up. "If you wish, I'll go with you. All you need to do is ask."

Warren nodded. He had some thinking to do.

###

Now that he was at the detention facility, Warren wasn't sure this had been a good idea. The anger he had worked into was leaving as dread of looking into the face of the man who had tortured and raped him crept in. 'Don't deny yourself this,' he told himself as he tried to resurrect the hostile feelings.

He'd told Ztar he wanted to go alone, but now wasn't certain that was such a wise idea either. But Head of Security Lar had sent Gragne and another guard that had been in on the rescue, so he did have familiar faces with him.

His heart pounded as Warren and the two guards moved through the high-security facility to the visitor room. All the prisoners in this section were sentenced to death, he had been told. The worst of the worst criminals were here, most being responsible for many deaths and/or were enemies of the Empire.

The prison guard dropped the force field across the entrance. As Warren and the two royal guards entered the small room, Drex looked up from his seated position at a small table with obvious surprise. It was immediately followed by a very sinister grin. "I wondered who was coming to visit me!" he exclaimed. "The Emperor's whore – the one I had so-o-o much fun with!" Drex said to Warren's escorts.

Warren's stomach lurched, but he held himself fast and stared into Drex's eyes with as cold a look as he could muster.

"Either keep your mouth in check Drex, or we make sure you can't use it again!" the Gagne ordered.

"That will come soon enough," Drex said smoothly back. "I'm just wondering if Archangel has come back for a little more of same?" he chuckled.

Warren approached Drex, rested his hands on the table, and looked down at the terrorist. "Actually, I've come to fulfill a pledge I made to you that day."

"And what pledge might that have been?" Drex locked eyes with Warren.

"That if it was just you and me, you'd be dying."

Drex was silent for a moment, then burst out laughing. "I'm already dead, whore! Tomorrow, if they didn't tell you. But you want take me out a day early, be my guest!"

Then he laughed again and it sounded so much like the laugh from that day. A tremor ran though Warren as memories he thought he had successfully dealt with sprang up with vividness. He blinked and Drex saw it.

"I see you haven't forgotten our time together, human. It was memorable was it not?"

"Enough, Drex!" the guard warned again, stepping threateningly closer to the prisoner.

Drex raised his shackled hands. "Are you going to beat me while I'm helpless? Is that your plan, Archangel?"

Warren righted himself. "It'd be no different than what you did to me. I was also helpless to fight back. Made you feel like a man, did it? To torture someone you knew wouldn't resist? I rather doubt you'd have the guts to try what you did had I been free to fight."

Drex smiled invitingly. "Should we find out? Just you and me. That's what you came here for, isn't it? Vent your anger? Why not indulge yourself, whore? Let's see if you are a fighter or not!"

Warren nearly shook with emotion. He'd like nothing more than to beat Drex until near death. All the rage, all the pain and horror began to well up. "I should have let Ztar do with you as he wished that day. That was a much more fitting punishment that the quick death you'll get tomorrow."

"Ah, yes. Our Emperor was impressive that day! So much like the old Ztar again. It was glorious to see. It saddens my heart that he has become soft and misguided. But you did that to him. You tamed our conqueror." Drex waved his hands toward Warren. "Gentlemen, behold the whore that castrated our ruler and possibly the Turzent people as well," he said to the guards. Then he turned back to Warren. "Are you pleased with your handiwork, Archangel?" Drex sneered in contempt.

"That's so ludicrous, it's not worthy of a reply, Drex. Your twisted perspective is what has landed you here and what will end your life. Perhaps now is the time to ask whatever god you pray to for forgiveness."

Drex was quiet for a moment, though never taking his eyes off Warren. It made Warren extremely uncomfortable as Drex's gaze traveled up and down his body, but he didn't let it show. He would not allow the attempt at humiliation and intimidation succeed.

"I'll bet, though, our Emperor hasn't been tamed in bed. He still takes you whenever he wants, yes Archangel?"

In that instant, Warren lost it despite what he told himself before coming. In the blink of an eye, the table was tossed aside, and he had the Turzent in the air, dangling by the throat from his hand. "Perhaps you wish to reconsider your insults, bastard!" he said up to the man who had caused him so much anguish.

As Warren clamped down around Drex's neck a little more. He noted the guards hadn't even flinched, but stood idly by.

"I take my pledges seriously. Perhaps I should follow through on the one I made that day. I am much stronger than I appear, as you'll probably realizing right now."

To the terrorist credit, he didn't struggle. Simply eyed down at his former captive, shackled hands clenched around Warren's wrist.

"If I squeeze a little harder, your windpipe will begin collapse," Warren explained as he tightened his grip. "Less and less air can get through now."

Drex's eyes began to show some concern as he struggled to breath through his narrowing windpipe. 'God, this feels good!' Warren allowed himself as the anger and hate flooded him.

"Your oxygen-starved brain will begin to shutdown, but not before the panic sets in. Not a pleasant way to die, would you agree Drex?" Warren couldn't help but smile. He hoped it was as wicked as Drex had displayed earlier.

Drex started to kick. His face was turning an odd shade and his eyes grew more desperate.

"Such brave talk earlier, Drex. Interesting how when it comes right down to facing it, dying can scare the shit out of even the most hardened men. How is the oxygen deprivation going, tough guy?"

Drex was struggling more violently now. Warren used his other hand to restraint Drex's arms as the man sought to break Warren's grip. The Turzent was quite strong, but Warren was stronger and filled with adrenaline fueled by vengeance.

"Not pleasant being helpless to stop what's happening to you, is it?! This is nothing compared to what I endured at your hands and the hands of your men. If I was truly seeking revenge, you'd be on the floor while some of your prison mates enjoyed themselves with you while I watched and laughed."

Drex was beginning to lose consciousness. Should he finish it? It'd be so easy now. Drex would be dead tomorrow anyway, what would one day early matter? 'No. You're not a killer, Worthington. Never have been.'

Warren dropped the nearly unconscious man to the floor. He sucked in air tentatively at first, then in large, ragged gulps mixed with coughing as he laid on the floor. Warren knelt down beside the shaken terrorist. "Remember this tomorrow, Drex, when you take your final breath. I had the last laugh and it's you lying on the floor helpless."

With those parting words, Warren rose and moved to the exit. Gagne opened the door ahead of him and gave Warren a quick, appreciative smile. Warren felt freer from that horrifying day. He had faced his tormentor, made his point, and did not give in to vengeance. This had been a good idea after all.

Tomorrow, justice would be served when Drex's sentence was carried out. He would pay with his life for those lives he had taken without remorse – the shuttle maintenance tech, pilot, co-pilot, and guard.

###

The third draft of the constitution had been received and only minor changes were needed, assuming Earth was to be treated no differently than all the other systems. The final version was due in a week. Ztar was running out of time. Soon he would be forced to make the final decision regarding Earth and Archangel. He knew what needed to be done for the sake of the new Empire, but actually doing it would seal his fate with Archangel. He would lose his companion. At this juncture, he saw no other way the scenario could play out. Ztar would not hold Archangel against his will, but if he procrastinated a little longer, he could delay the inevitable.

If Ztar was going to loose Archangel, he wanted one get-away trip first. Something he could to hold onto after. It had to be somewhere special, but Ztar wanted it either on Sat'rey or a nearby star system. He wanted to stay close to his seat of power. No gallivanting across the Empire when serious work was at hand forming a new government – it sent the wrong messages.

A beautiful, mountainous region right on Sat'rey came to mind. This would be the perfect time of year to visit. The weather would be dry and warm. Sukja would find perfect accommodations, Ztar was certain. There were always vacancies when you're the Emperor – a perk of being who he was. He rarely wielded his power in that way, but for this he would.

Archangel could frolic in the skies above mountain valleys. Ztar knew Archangel would love riding the thermals of the rugged terrain. Ztar himself loved the mountains. Their majesty touched him deeply, reminding him that there were things bigger than he was – more powerful. They awed him. Yes, a mountain get-away it would be. He summoned Sukja and the plans were quickly set in motion.

The next morning at breakfast, Ztar announced the get-away.

"I've scheduled a trip for us, my Archangel. A couple days away – just you and me – if you're up for it."

That made Warren stop mid-bite. "You mean like a vacation?"

"Yes. In the mountains here on Sat'rey. They're beautiful. You'll love it, I'm certain!"

Warren was definitely taken by surprise. When did Ztar plan this? It seemed to come out of nowhere.

"Do you think it's wise to go off right now with everything that's happening?" The timing appeared off considering Ztar was in the middle of forming a new government.

Ztar set his utensil down. "I chose the location because it's on Sat'rey. Nothing should happen over the next couple days that I can't handle from there if need be. It's actually a good time to go – we're in a lull right now waiting for the next constitutional draft and things are quiet across the Empire."

Warren knew 'quiet' was relative when your Empire consists of more than 350 habitable planets. Maybe it would be good for Ztar to get away. The tension within the Emperor these last couple weeks had been mounting almost daily. Still Ztar would not talk about what was eating at him. Maybe on this trip Warren could get the Emperor to open up.

"Then we should go."

"Good! We leave this morning – everything is set." Ztar smiled, something that had grown increasingly rare of late.

###

Ztar appeared to be looking forward to the trip greatly. The farther the shuttle had gotten from the palace, the more relaxed the Emperor seemed. So far it was looking like this was a good idea.

"This place is totally isolated, Archangel, and we have the whole place to ourselves – no other guests. Only the minimum staff remains to attend to us. We'll do nothing but relax."

"Another perk of being Emperor, I presume?" Warren smirked and Ztar nodded grinning. Warren knew that 'whole place to ourselves' is relative when you're an emperor. It was him, Ztar, and only Lar and Gtar-Cro knew how many discreetly placed guards.

As the shuttle approached the chalet nestled deep within the high mountain range, Warren agreed with Ztar – it was beautiful. The range reminded him of the Grand Tetons on Earth. The mountains jutted up steeply with few foothills. High, majestic, snowcapped – picture postcard perfect!

When the mountain air hit Warren as he stepped out of the shuttle, it made his heart sing. He loved the mountains and the air here smelled much like the air around his Colorado aerie. Briefly, he wondered what was happening with his beloved mountain retreat. He quickly turned his thoughts to the here and now.

"Welcome, Emperor and Archangel!" the man at the edge of the shuttle pad greeted with a huge smile and a bow. "My name is Irian and I manage our mountain retreat. When we heard you were coming, we were honored beyond words. If there is anything you require, just say the word and it will be done. May I show you around?"

Ztar nodded and Irian immediately began the tour, explaining the layout and the chalet's facilities. It was truly beautiful, Warren observed. Built mostly from what at least appeared to be natural materials and every inch of the building and grounds took advantage of the location. The architecture did not try to compete with the breathtaking setting, it sought to complement it. Unlike the manicured gardens of the palace, here things remained natural and wild to the extent possible. Narrow walking paths wound between the main chalet and the few other buildings on the site. On the far side of the chalet, a large deck protruded out over a precipice that dropped away at least 500 feet to a valley below. Their tour ended at that magnificent site – an obvious marketing technique to wow potential visitors and confirm the choice registered visitors had made to stay here. It worked.

"Your luggage has been placed in your suite. When you are ready to dine, just comm the chef and he will prepare whatever you wish or will be happy to make suggestions. I will leave you now to get settled and to do whatever you desire." Their guide left with a bow.

Ztar walked to the edge of the deck to take in the view. Warren joined him. What Warren really wanted to do was get in the sky and experience the place as he only could from there.

"This is beautiful beyond words, Ztar. Thanks for bringing us here," Warren felt warmly toward Ztar at the moment, and the feeling surprised him. But awe-inspiring surroundings can sweep you away like that.

"I needed to get away, my Archangel. Thank you for agreeing to come."

Warren was a little taken aback – he hadn't realized he had a real choice in the matter. A minor thing – he let it pass.

"You belong in these skies. Please go! I will watch from here." Ztar requested. What he really wanted to say is 'I want to watch you play in the sky for what may be one of the last times!' but of course he did not.

"Are you sure? We've only just gotten here."

"Yes! Go!" Ztar managed to smile, but he needed Archangel to leave quickly – tears were threatening and he wasn't sure how long he could hold them back.

Warren took flight and the chalet dropped away quickly below and behind him. Out over the mountain valley he soared. Warren opened his senses to the air currents, smells, sights, and the sound of the wind past his ears. As he sailed over the valley, he was quickly picking up on the various currents running through the air layers. As the valley floor warmed in the late summer sun, it created updrafts and he caught a strong one and rode it up. That wonderful leaving-the-stomach-behind feeling filled him and he loved it. Like a roller coaster, he caught a downdraft next and the plunge created the same sensation in reverse.

Warren was in his element and he immersed himself in the experience. His soul sang its song of joy and rapture. He was meant to be a rider of the winds.

Below, Ztar watched his beloved. The empathic connection told him Archangel had reached that level of emersion where nothing else existed. Ztar loved the visceral emotions. He closed his eyes to fully focus on the experience vicariously. He wanted to remember everything about it – to burn it into his mind. It would be something to remember after… Opening his eyes, he searched to spot Archangel. The flash of sunlight across the pure white wings showed him quickly where the human was.

A single tear escaped Ztar, but he would allow himself no others, he told himself firmly. These two days were to enjoy and cherish. They would not be wasted wallowing in self-pity and despair.

Warren decided not to be gone too long. Likely, there would be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the skies. So after a bit, he returned to the deck, landing close to Ztar, which Warren knew he'd like.

Ztar greeted him with a smile, but Warren's keen eyesight caught what looked like moisture in Ztar's eyes. So Warren did what he thought he should, he closed the gap between them and pulled Ztar in for a kiss.

The Emperor brought his mouth down urgently on Archangel's. By the gods, he was going to go insane if he had to live without Archangel's kiss! Ztar encircled him in a slow embrace and brought a hand up between the wings to press Archangel even closer. He focused on each sensation of Archangel's mouth, tongue, lips – this, too, he wanted to burn into memory.

A mountain wind gust swept up and around them, catching Warren's wings and lifting them slightly. Warren allowed himself to melt into the kiss and Ztar's embrace knowing it was filling a need – apparently an urgent one, laced with desperation even. If only Ztar would tell him what was going on. Perhaps on this trip?

Ztar finally released Archangel gently from the kiss but held the embrace. "I love you," he said softly with as much emotion as he could fit into those three words.

And Warren said he usual reply, for it was all he could offer. "I know," he said gently.

Ztar would give away his whole Empire without hesitation if Archangel would say he loved him in return, but Ztar knew it would be a lie. Ztar did not like lies, no matter how great his desire to hear it. Archangel was giving Ztar as much as the human could muster. And it was enough for there was no more his companion could give.

"Let's eat lunch and decide what to do for the afternoon," the Emperor suggested, raking his hand through Archangel's wind-tangled hair.

"Sounds like a plan."

After enjoying a meal suggested by the resident chef on the private balcony of their appropriately named Majesty Suite, they decided to head out to one of the many vistas the area offered. One of the best according to chalet staff was only about twenty minutes by foot from the chalet.

"Tell me about your mountain chalet back on Earth," Ztar asked as they walked. "Forgive me, but I saw it in your mind four years ago." He wanted to be sure Archangel understood this was old knowledge and he hadn't taken that information recently.

"No need to apologize, Ztar," Warren reassured. "It's quite the engineering and architectural wonder, actually. I had it built after my parents were both dead as a place I could go to get away from the pressures of life. Cost an insane amount of money – everything had to be 'coptered in. It sits on the edge of precipice much like this chalet. Has all the comforts – swimming pool, decks, whirlpool tub, fireplaces, plenty of room for friends…you name it. Sadly, I didn't use it as much as I should have. Life kept me pretty busy."

"It served its purpose when you did stay there?" Ztar wanted to know.

"Most of the time. Occasionally, life followed me there, though. Sometimes it was used as a base of operation for the X-men. Once that happened, it wasn't quite the same. Maybe that's when I started going less often, now that I think about it."

The two walked quietly for a couple minutes, taking in the majesty of the mountain setting. The trail wound through trees and rocks, on its way to the overlook. Occasionally, they'd catch a peek of the view to come. Then suddenly the trees parted and the valley spread before them. A railing framed the vista and protected visitors from the 500-foot drop.

"This is magnificent!" Ztar proclaimed, smiling at the beauty before them.

"You can see the chalet, just there." Warren pointed out to the Emperor. Warren keen eyesight also picked out animals in a small herd on the valley floor. "Look down there. Can you tell what those animals are?" he queried, pointing toward the animals in the distance.

Ztar struggled to even see what animals Archangel was referring to. "Not from this distance, Archangel."

Warren described the four-legged grazers in detail for Ztar.

"Your eyesight is a wonder!" Ztar shook his head in amazement. "Those would be paddas. They're native to the region."

"Wild or domesticated?"

"Wild. Paddas have a bad temperament and have never been domesticated. Nasty animals!" he said with a chuckle.

"Did your family have any animals when you were growing up?" Warren thought to ask.

Ztar looked curiously at Archangel. No one had ever asked him that before. In fact, no one other than Sukja had asked Ztar about his family for many years.

"No. But on my home planet, an animal called a tumitu is a favorite household pet. It's furry and about this high…" Ztar held his hand about knee high to Warren. "with a short tail…could I put an image in your mind?"

Warren nodded. He felt the mental touch, an image popped up, and then Ztar's withdrawal. "It's similar to a gerbil, only bigger," Warren compared. "I never owned a gerbil, but from what I know, they aren't all that smart. Hopefully, your tumitu is more intelligent given its size!" Warren laughed.

Ztar loved Archangel's laugh. It was like music to his ears, and now he was on the verge of never hearing it again. Then he yanked himself back sharply from that edge of despair.

"How about…?" Warren tried to find the word, but realized he didn't know it. "Damn, I don't know the Turzent word."

"My translator is turned on." Ztar informed.

"Sports." Warren said it in English. "Did you play sports when you were young?"

"We had games when I was young, but there usually wasn't much time for playing. My family was very poor, Archangel, and survival was top priority. My spare time was spent trying to help bring food into the house."

That surprised Warren immensely. He studied the man leaning on the rail of the overlook. What he had just learned made the Ztar's climb to the very pinnacle of power even more astonishing.

"I didn't know that, Ztar. I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry about! That's just the way it was. I know without a doubt that if I hadn't grown up under those circumstances, I wouldn't be where I am right now." Ztar turned to face Warren. "I was determined to better my status in life. So as soon as I was old enough, I joined the military. It gave me a steady income, place to live, and a chance to move up through the ranks if I applied myself. And I did. I quickly found I was good at strategy – very good, in fact. And my superior officers thought so, too. That became my ticket for advancement. The rest of the story I believe you know…" his voice trailed off.

Warren watched Ztar's dark eyes grow even darker with that thought. This trip wasn't meant to be filled with painful memories. "Perhaps we can continue down the trail? I'd like to see more," he suggested, changing the subject.

"I have a better idea. Remember that hidden meadow Irian mentioned? We should go while there's time."

"Good idea." Irian's description of it had sounded intriguing.

Arriving back at the chalet, arrangements were quickly made for the brief flight to what Irian called Hidden Falls Meadow.

As Warren and Ztar stepped out of the shuttle and navigated around the screening vegetation surrounding the landing pad, Warren's breath was nearly taken away. It was stunning! The small meadow was nestled against the side of the mountain, beneath a cliff face that had to rise 800 feet. But what grabbed your attention most was the dramatic site of a thin waterfall free-falling the full drop of the cliff face. You could hear the sound of crashing water from the shuttle pad. Warren was instantly reminded of Yosemite Park.

Mist rose high from the base of the falls where the water churned and pooled to then flow away from the cliff face as a gentle stream weaving its way through the middle of the valley. Late summer wildflowers were in bloom across the meadow floor and the entire area was encircled with tall mountain shrubs. With snowcapped mountains rising all around, it felt as though the meadow was embraced by the peaks – safe, protected, and undiscovered. That was likely the basis of the name.

"This is incredible!" Ztar was the first to speak, walking out into the meadow along a barely there trail.

"I will stay with the shuttle," the pilot informed. "There is an observation deck on one side of the meadow – if you're lucky, you may see some wildlife come to the stream. We just ask that you stay on the trails to help keep the meadow pristine. Irian had a snack packaged for you, complete with Dison, if you get hungry. Just let me know when you're ready." And the pilot returned to the shuttle. The two guards slipped into the background where they could watch over their charges without be obvious.

"Very thorough fellow, that Irian," Warren observed. "Knows how to pamper his guests."

"I suspect that's why Sukja chose this chalet," Ztar said grinning.

As they walked toward the observation deck, Warren felt the familiar itch to get airborne, but he suppressed it and followed Ztar. Once at the deck, Ztar settled into a comfortable wooden chair and Warren stood at the rail to take in the amazing view.

Warren closed his eyes and let his other senses take over. Listening past the sound of the waterfall, he heard insects, various animal calls, and the gentle wind through the grasses. The soft heat of the sun on his shoulders and back made him spread his wings to catch its warmth in the just cool mountain air. Scents of earth, water, and flowers filled the meadow. Even here on this alien world, the mountains smelled like mountains.

The wildness called to him – almost audibly and physically. This is why he so loved the mountains. They felt like home on the deepest possible level. As Warren expanded his awareness even farther, a shiver ran through him and his wings rose higher. The sky tugged at him sharply.

Ztar watched as his companion immersed himself in their surroundings. The sensations that flowed to Ztar told him the setting spoke to the feral side of Archangel's nature. It was drawing him in.

"Archangel, go! Enjoy!" Ztar said, sensing the need.

Warren didn't hesitate – it wasn't even a decision. He was simply in the air without thought.

As Archangel soared in the sky above him, Ztar watched. Joy and anguish collided as he followed the human's aerial maneuvers, catching updrafts and riding downdrafts, then circling lazily around the edge of the meadow.

Then Ztar got up and headed out on the trail toward the waterfall. That beckoned to him. The cascading water felt powerful and defiant. As he approached, the sound became deafening and the mist was cool on his skin. The Turzent Emperor stood looking up the cliff face where the waterfall began its 800-foot plunge.

For a brief moment, he thought about Archangel's 30,000-foot plunge that nearly ended in catastrophe and the defiant spirit that told Ztar to go fuck himself. He smiled at that memory – not many people had dared talk to him like that since his rise to power. In hindsight, Ztar thought it felt strangely good that Archangel had cursed him like that. It had verbally stripped him of being an emperor and left only the man.

After watching the falls for a while up close, Ztar walked away to admire the waterfall from a quieter distance. He found a good spot by some boulders that made the perfect a natural bench. Likely, they had been placed, but perhaps so many years ago it was now hard to know if man or nature set them there.

To spare surprising the pilot with his telepathy, Ztar used the portable comm to request the food and liquor be brought to his location. Ztar busied himself with unpacking the food tote. The snack was quite a bit more than a snack – gourmet delicacies, fruit, sweets, and of course the Dison. Ztar was certain Sukja had informed the chalet of Ztar and Archangel's shared appreciation for the liqueur. The tote also contained glasses, utensils, and a large ground cloth, just in case a table and chairs were not available. After spreading out the ground cloth, Ztar set out the food and other items.

As Warren lazily circled the meadow, his thoughts began to return to more earth-bound issues. He was making progress with Ztar, but each day was still an internal struggle for Warren. Keeping Ztar shielded from that turmoil was tricky. Thankfully, Ztar was not reading him much anymore, making it much easier to play the role of the happy companion. Palace life was tolerable, sometimes even enjoyable, but Warren's heart still ached for freedom from his burdens, both compulsory and voluntary.

Then Warren saw Ztar unpacking their picnic stuffs and never one to turn away from a meal, Warren set aside the contemplations and swooped in for a landing when he saw Ztar had completed the setting up.

"Looks like a feast!" Warren exclaimed with delight as he alighted nearby, but not too close as to send dirt or anything else flying onto the food.

"Only the best for the Emperor and his companion!" Ztar said lightly.

Warren joined Ztar on the ground and the Turzent poured Dison into glasses that were obviously designed to sit equally well on a table or the ground.

"Clever design!" Warren commented holding up the three-legged glass.

"You enjoyed yourself?" Ztar asked, with a nod to the sky. "This was a good idea?"

Warren looked at Ztar – he seemed almost vulnerable and so wanting to know he had done well.

"This is perfect, Ztar. I couldn't image anything more beautiful than this place. It was a good idea."

Ztar's smile was large and genuine. He so wanted Archangel to have some happy memories of his time with Ztar. Not just the pain-filled ones from the past. If only he had more time to make amends.

The snack was consumed quickly; neither of the men had realized they were as hungry as they were.

"That's what mountain air will do to you," Warren commented as he down the last of his sandwich-like entree.

Getting up off the ground cloth and sitting on the rocks, they sipped Dison leisurely.

"Archangel, you said earlier that I needn't apologize for having read your thoughts four years ago, but I do," Ztar said with some hesitation.

"That was a long time ago…" Warren reminded the Emperor.

"True, but I do need to apologize. For that and for everything! What I did was…it was cruel beyond imagining."

The Emperor was looking down at his glass, not at Warren. Warren remained quiet. He wanted to hear where this was going.

"I had no right to demand what I did of you. There is no excuse for my behavior. No reason that can justify it. I was the monster you said I was," Ztar's voice broke and he stopped to regain his composure. "You have no reason to forgive me, and I don't expect that. Just know I deeply regret how I treated you. If I could go back in time…" He paused again, swallowing hard.

And then the words began to tumble out quickly as Ztar looked into Warren's face. "I apologize, Archangel, for all of it. For hurting you and making you cry and nearly destroying your beautiful spirit. And for taking you from your home and family. I don't deserve the kindness you've been showing me! Why you decided what you did, I'll never understand. I don't deserve you..." Ztar's voice gave out and he could say no more. Tears fell unashamedly down the Emperor's face.

Warren placed his hand on Ztar's arm. Was Ztar one step closer to letting Warren go? He remembered Moit'de's words: "Ztar planted in bad soil long time. Too much hurt and hate. Ztar not love self – feel unworthy. Selfish many years trying to fill void."

"Ztar, you do deserve kindness. The person you were four years ago is not who you are now. Back then, you were desperately trying to fill a void that couldn't be filled by others. It made you do things you wouldn't have otherwise. That void – that kind of hurt – can only heal from within. And look how far you've come! You're changing your bad soil into good soil, as Moit'de would say."

Ztar considered Archangel's words as he steadied himself. In those words, he heard echoes of Sukja, Atichi, and Moit'de, though the feeling that came with the words was all Archangel.

"You've come so far that now, when you look back, it seems terrible. But that's good, don't you see? It tells you how much you've changed," Warren finished with a smile.

Ztar looked at his beautiful companion and nearly told him he was free – right then and there. Despite what Archangel had just said, he hadn't come so far that he could let go of Archangel quite yet. He selfishly wanted just a few more days with his beloved. Ztar leaned over to kiss Archangel gently and then leaned back.

"I do love you, Archangel. I know you don't love me and that will never be. But if you could find it in your heart to at least like the person I'm trying to become…it would mean much. Though if you can't, I understand…"

"I am very proud of the person you're becoming, Ztar," Warren offered.

It wasn't exactly what he wanted to hear, but it was close enough. Ztar drew Archangel into an embrace and held him tightly. "You are more precious to me than you can possibly know. I don't know what I'd be without you!' Ztar was quiet for a moment. "Actually, I do. I'd still be that monster," the Emperor finished, releasing Archangel from his embrace.

What Warren wanted to hear he didn't. He wanted Ztar to say that Earth and he would be free. To Warren, it was becoming increasingly obvious that Ztar wasn't ready for that yet. Warren speculated that Ztar was trying to make amends to smooth the way for what was to come – his decision to keep Warren with him. But Warren would stick with his own decision of five weeks ago – one could read progress with Ztar into this conversation if so inclined. And Warren chose to be the optimist. Perhaps in time…

"Let's get things picked up," Warren suggested.

On their knees, packing up the remains of the snack, Ztar watched Archangel. The sun at his back caused his golden hair to almost glow and the white feathers to glisten. Heat rose in him. Ztar would never get over the powerful effect Archangel had on him – the raw desire the mere sight of the human generated.

Everything was back in the tote except the ground cover they knelt on. Ztar moved closer to Archangel and pulled him into a kiss, gently at first, then more passionately.

"I want you…" the lusty words came into Warren's ear.

"Here?" Warren wasn't comfortable with that idea.

Ztar moved his hands over Archangel's back to the wing base, where he knew he could kick-start the human's desire. He was rewarded when Archangel took a small, sharp inhale.

'God, Ztar knows my body well!' Warren told himself as he felt the near instant heat in his body as Ztar's fingers plied their skill in just the right spots.

"Yes, here – if you're willing." Ztar's eyes had taken on that desire-filled look that Warren knew so well. There likely wasn't any dissuading the Emperor.

"The pilot…" Warren reminded.

"Will stay where he is," Ztar countered.

"The guards."

"Trained not to see this sort of thing," Ztar smirked.

Warren had never liked to have sex out in the open, preferring to be more secluded, safe – less vulnerable. Was that his feral side fearing predators that might take advantage of a distracted prey? It really didn't matter the cause, it just made him nervous.

"It…makes me…uncomfortable," Warren explained as Ztar continued to kiss and stimulate. Warren found his wings moving in a way to encourage Ztar's hands like they had a mind of their own. Warren's breathing was already beginning to come more quickly. At this rate, his objections would soon become moot.

The empathic connection was sending Ztar undertones of subtle nervousness and a sense of being exposed beneath the mounting desire. Ztar hit the points at the base of both wings again with just the right motion and pressure. Archangel took in a ragged breath and he moaned in pleasure, pressing backward into Ztar's hands.

"You're safe. I will let nothing happen. Trust me…" Ztar reassured as he moved his lips down Archangel's neck to his shoulder and back up again to the sensual mouth.

By the time Ztar's lips met his again, Warren was pretty much beyond caring where they were. A brief, half-hearted curse passed through his thoughts at this alien who could bring his body into lust in less than 60 seconds.

Ztar pressed into Archangel, who was now pinned between Ztar and the boulders. He felt Archangel's body begin to relax into his and the empathic signals told him the objections had passed. Mouth to mouth, tongue entwined with tongue, the desire escalated in both.

Ztar bodily moved Warren and laid him down on the ground cover, their lips never parting. But as Ztar's weight came down on him, sharp pain ran through the wing joints – too much weight, the ground was too hard. The pain caused him to cry out before he could stifle it. Simultaneously, he was back in Drex's cell experiencing that same pain. 'Not now!' part of his mind yelled that was trying to hold onto reality and escape the flashback.

"Archangel!" Ztar had felt the pain through their connection and the fragment of remembered fear from the flashback. He immediately sat up and pulled Archangel into his arms.

Warren clung to Ztar, anchoring himself to the present against the pull of the flashback. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly and the flashback that nearly took him dispelled as quickly as it had formed.

"My Archangel, I'm sorry!"

Warren eased back from Ztar to look him in the face. "Don't apologize, Ztar. It was nothing you did. I'm okay."

"Do you want to go back to the chalet? Perhaps rest for awhile?"

"No, I'm not going to let Drex win, Ztar. I want to enjoy the rest of the afternoon here – with you." Warren combed his fingers through Ztar's hair. "But this time, you need to be on the bottom – the ground's too hard for me to be on my wings. Warren gave Ztar one of his flirtatious smiles and Ztar responded as Warren knew he would; Ztar was helpless to resist when Warren offered himself.

And so it was Ztar beneath this time, Archangel's wings spread as Ztar loved them. The sunlight at Archangel's back made the translucent feathers glow and he marveled once again at the magnificence of this man that had chosen to be his willing companion despite everything. And over the next hour, Ztar did everything in his power to reward that decision.

###

During dinner that night, Ztar and Warren shared more stories of their childhood and young adulthood. Some stories made them laugh, others were laced with sadness or anger. But they both learned much about each other through those tales. Warren's life of privilege and loving parents contrasted sharply against Ztar's life of poverty, a brutish father, and an emotionally detached mother.

Sipping Dison, Warren and Ztar watched the sun set over the valley from the private balcony. The colors were spectacular and they were mesmerized as their intensity grew, then slowly ebbed. That night, Ztar slowly, leisurely made love to his companion, taking his time with every movement. Nothing was urgent or hurried. He delighted in the subtleties and relished each sensation.

'I could live in this moment forever!' he told himself. Ztar nearly came to tears thinking about never being with Archangel again. He pushed the despair down. 'Don't spoil this!' he reprimanded himself.

Warren hadn't experience anything quite like that night. Ztar drew him in wholly. No mental immersion or psychic melding – it was all physical and it was incredibly good. 'If I wasn't straight, I might be in love right now,' he considered. The thought was unexpected and Warren wasn't quite sure what to make of his reaction. He didn't analyze it, he simply went with it.

###

The next morning brought much cooler weather. The room was chilled from the open window and Warren woke, already snuggled to Ztar for warmth – the Turzent's body gave off quite a bit of heat.

"Good morning, my Archangel," Ztar said pulling his companion closer, if that were possible.

"Morning," Warren answered lazily without opening his eyes. He didn't want to get up in the chilly room. Just then the fireplace kicked on. Warren opened his eyes and watched the flames dance.

"Let's stay here while the room warms up," Ztar suggested, and he pulled Archangel on top of him even more. Archangel spread his wings across the bed like a blanket. 'By the gods, he's so beautiful!' Ztar remarked silently with an ache in his chest, stroking an outstretched wing. 'So little time left.'

Now chest to chest, Warren looked down into the gold-flecked eyes. He thought about how much those eyes had changed since the first time he saw them. Four years ago, they were hard and menacing. All that mattered then to Ztar was satisfying his own overwhelming need and desire. The pain he inflicted was simply the price to be paid to satisfy those needs. But no more.

"Ztar?"

"Yes, my Archangel," Ztar replied sliding his hand along Warren's upper arm.

"I do like the person you're becoming – that you've become," Warren felt driven to say it, as if he had no choice.

Moisture immediately sprung into Ztar's eyes. 'By the gods, my Archangel, if only you knew how much more painful you've made my decision with those words!' his soul and heart cried out, but aloud he replied in a whisper, "Thank you, my love."

That was new – 'my love.' Warren smiled down at the Emperor, as Ztar's arms tighten around him. The Emperor was making emotional progress and Warren was pleased. He laid his head back down, tucked against Ztar's neck. And they waited for the room to warm without any more words.

The day was spent exploring the trails of the chalet grounds, despite the cooler weather that hinted of winter. It was a bit chilly for Warren to spend a lot of time in the air, so he stayed mostly with Ztar on the ground. They sat for a long time on the deck near the outdoor fireplace, sipping a Sat'rey sanui recommended by the chef. They talked for hours about everything and nothing. Sometimes they didn't talk at all, but just walked or watched the fire.

All too soon, late afternoon approached and they were scheduled to return to the palace. Warren found himself wishing they had more time. That both surprised and concerned him – what was this slope that Warren was possibly slipping down? He turned away from the question; it'd keep for another day to be examined.

As the shuttle came in for a landing at the palace, Ztar took Archangel's hand into his. "Thank you for these past two days. I will cherish them always!"

###

It was waiting for him when he and Archangel returned to the palace from the mountains, but he had refused to read the message until the next morning.

Now the morning following their return, the final version of the constitution stared back at Ztar through his PI. Final version! He had worked and waited months for this moment. The document was solid and well written. It ensured a blend of imperial and democratic rule that mirrored the Shi'ar form of government that had been its inspiration, yet blended in the best of several other ideologies and governmental forms. Ztar felt, perhaps prejudiciously, that the document was truly a marvel. His ultimate voice and right as Imperial ruler, and those of his successors, were protected, yet tempered and balanced with the rights of the people to self-govern on a practical basis.

But the final version came with a price. He must decide on the fate of Earth. The warning stated that if Earth was not to be freed from the Turzent-Earth Accord, special Imperial powers would need to be added to enforce that Accord. And if that were to be the case, several other areas of the constitution would need to be modified, perhaps with undesirable results.

The warning was sternly worded. Procrastination was no longer an option. Ztar needed to decide before anything could move forward. And there was mounting pressures to move forward with Ztar's promise of a new constitution. Delay could be interpreted negatively.

Ztar's soul was in anguish.

###

That night, Ztar was definitely agitated. Warren wasn't sure what to do. Things had been so pleasant at the chalet. Now dinner here was less than enjoyable with Ztar's edginess coming through in every topic Warren attempted to discuss. Ztar said he received the final version of the constitution and Warren tried to bring out some enthusiasm in Ztar on that topic without much success. If Ztar was so upset as to downplay this historic moment, then something was very wrong. And now in the bedchamber, nothing Warren did was what the Emperor wanted. Ztar didn't say that, but his manner and attitude conveyed his discontent. Ztar would start to enjoy himself, but then pull away as if it were too painful. Warren was at his wits end.

"Ztar, what's going on? Just tell me!" Warren finally demanded as the two sat up in bed, Ztar once again bringing things to a halt. It was exasperating!

"I'm not in the mood," came the gruff reply.

"Not in the mood for sex or talking?"

"Either." Ztar rose from the bed and headed toward his liquor storage to pour a drink.

The elephant in the room demanded attention.

"Ztar, if this is about Earth and the constitution, please, let's just deal with it," Warren implored.

Ztar would not place the burden of his anguish at Archangel's feet. Ztar could tell Archangel what the choice was and perhaps manipulate Archangel into saying he'd stay so Ztar would free Earth under the constitution. But Ztar just couldn't bring himself to do that to his beloved companion. No, he and he alone had to do the choosing. And knowing his decision would be required tomorrow, being with Archangel tonight was simply too painful.

"There's nothing to discuss. I'm just tired." Ztar said without much conviction.

Warren watched Ztar closely. He had not seen Ztar this upset before. Warren could press the Emperor further, but he wasn't sure that was wise. Ztar appeared to need some space.

"Perhaps I should go to my own chambers for tonight," he offered gently.

Ztar didn't look at Archangel when he replied, "Perhaps that would be best." His companion would see him fighting back the tears if he dallied much longer.

Warren pulled on his nightwear bottoms and left without another word.

Ztar swore to himself, slamming his hand down on the counter with so much force it cracked. "I can't lose you, Archangel! I won't survive!" he roared to the empty room and sank to the floor, his hand gripping the edge of the counter.

Ztar cried as he held tight to the counter. His heart and soul were torn and bleeding. His dream for a new empire he would not jeopardize. Too much was at stake – a brighter future of billions upon billions of lives rested on that new beginning. And to remain true to that future, he must free Earth. It meant he was going to lose Archangel, of that he was certain. The very thought was more than he could bear.

But not freeing Earth would be an act of open hypocrisy and could deeply shake the people's faith in his new empire and its vision. After all, if Ztar kept one world under the threat of servitude, why not others? And if it were learned that he did so only for his own personal gratification, then all would be lost!

Desperation gripped him once again. There had to be another way! Perhaps Stjarmas'de's suggestion of an alternative legal recourse? Or Ztar could control Archangel with telepathy. Or Ztar could simply not allow Archangel off the planet and hold him at the palace.

'By the gods, those are not options! Archangel would hate me beyond hatred!' the Emperor sobbed.

He had gone over and over every possible option innumerable times. The ultimate answer never changed. To preserve his dream, he must revoke the Accord, and let Archangel go. The full irony of the role reversal hit him squarely for the first time.

Ztar's world and life were crumbling. It felt as those his very soul was being ripped out of him. The powerful ruler who had forged an empire from sheer will and his own strength was not able to hold on to the one person that now made it all worthwhile.

Something stopped Warren in his tracks as he walked through his chambers. A feeling of desperation and emotional pain washed over him causing momentary dizziness. What was going on? Where was that coming from? Ztar? It wasn't telepathic – maybe empathic? But that hadn't happened before – Warren had never picked up empathic feelings from Ztar. He was confused about the how, but was certain the emotions were Ztar's. And if correct, Ztar was in emotional crisis.

Tomorrow, he'd give the law-writer his answer. Tomorrow, Ztar would free Earth. Tomorrow, he would lose his Archangel forever. Head resting against the cabinet and his hand still in a death grip on the counter's edge, Ztar let the anguish engulf him. The emotional torment was so great that it was physical, and he curled his naked body against the pain. His cries were violent and shook his body to its core.

Suddenly, a figure knelt down beside him and rested a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Ztar, what is wrong?!" it whispered urgently.

It was Archangel. His precious, soul-saving Archangel. Ztar wrapped his arms around his beloved as if his very life depended on never letting go. In Ztar's mind, it did.

Ztar's emotions nearly swept Warren up into their turmoil. The need was so desperate, so intense!

"It's okay, Ztar," Warren tried to reassure. "I'm here."

"Please don't leave me! Please!" he choked out the words into Archangel's golden hair. "I cannot bear to lose you. I-I won't survive!" Ztar gripped and clutched at Archangel, nearly crushing him in the embrace.

There was only one reason Ztar would fear losing Warren – he was going to release Earth from the Accord. It had to be!

Ztar's choice – free Earth, free Archangel, and preserve his dream of a new empire, or guarantee Archangel's continued companionship with Earth as the hostage and risk destroying the very foundation of that dream. But there really wasn't a choice and it was ripping the Emperor apart.

Warren's choice – stay with Ztar and finish what he had chosen to start or leave Ztar, possibly leaving behind an inconsolable leader of the Empire that Earth happened to be part of. But Warren did have a choice.

Ztar was in crisis and Warren's instinct told him he needed to make that choice now. Moit'de words came back to him. Was Warren here for a purpose? Had that purpose been fulfilled? Warren's heart said no. As Warren struggled, it felt as if the universe was holding its breath waiting for the choices to be made. But which choices would be made tonight? He braced himself.

"Ztar, if you free Earth, I promise I will stay with you." Warren trembled as the words were spoken. There, it was said. Earth was free, and Warren wasn't.

'My god, what have I just done??!' was his next thought. For a moment, he thought he'd be sick. Actually uttering the words made the decision a reality he wasn't sure he could live with. But it had been said – the vow had been made. The combined onslaught of Ztar's emotions joined his own was too much, and Warren began to cry himself.

It took a few moments for the words to process. 'What had Archangel said?' Ztar didn't believe he could have heard correctly. "I promise I will stay...?" That couldn't be right, could it? Yet he felt Archangel tremble. Ztar was a confused mix of juxtaposed emotions. He pushed Archangel back gently to be able to look into his face. Ztar focused on the empathic connection with his companion. Trepidation and even nausea flowed from Archangel.

"My Archangel, what did you say?!" his voice was shaky and uncertain.

Tears ran down Archangel's face and he had a hard time looking Ztar in the eyes. Ztar watched as his companion swiped at the tears. The Emperor did not push; he waited for Archangel to regain his composure.

Warren dug deep for everything ounce of strength he possessed and calmed himself. Then he looked into the eyes of the man that he had just willing bound himself to. But there would be no more weight of Earth on his shoulders. No more threat to the billions of lives he had protected for four long years. There would only be his promise holding him to the Emperor. His choice to stay.

He drew in a shaky breath. "I will stay with you. I give my word – I will not leave you. Let your new Empire mean the same for all worlds, Earth included."

Warren chose, yet the universe still held its breath.

Ztar still had a hard time believing what he heard. He softly wiped away the errant tears escaping from his companion's eyes.

"You will stay?" Ztar asked again to be certain.

"Yes," Warren answered with a single nod.

But Ztar needed Archangel to know it wasn't a question of trading his freedom for Earth's. Ztar had already made that decision. He could not allow Archangel to feel he had to stay to gain Earth's freedom – that would be servitude based on deception. Ztar wanted Archangel to understand he truly had a choice, even if that meant Ztar would lose him.

The Emperor gathered himself. Archangel's answer to his next question would either cause him the greatest joy of his life or its greatest despair. But it had to be asked. Ztar pulled together every ounce of courage he possessed.

"If I say… If I tell you I had already decided to release Earth from the Accord…that you were free to go, would your answer be same?" Ztar held his breath. It felt as though his very life hung in the balance.

Warren was shocked at the question. That was not expected.

"Earth is free?!" Warren wanted be sure he understood correctly. "I'm free?!"

"Yes, my Archangel. Nothing holds you here any longer." Ztar said as a knife blade penetrated his heart.

The Emperor was actually willing to let Warren go? Warren hadn't believed Ztar was capable of that kind of sacrifice, at least not yet! Warren had difficulty accepting it. He was free? That changed everything!!

Ztar was in agony as Archangel contemplated. The change in Archangel's eyes as understanding dawned was dramatic. He was certain Archangel would change his mind. Why not? Ztar wasn't delusional; he knew Archangel didn't love him. So why would he stay? He prepared himself to hear the words he dreaded.

Or did it change anything? Warren already told Ztar he would stay, so did the question really carry the same risk it would have before Warren's vow? Warren didn't break promises easily – something Ztar should know from his previous telepathic probings. But again, a promise made without all the critical facts could be considered tenuous. And it did sound like Ztar was willing to release Warren from that promise.

'Let's be certain about this,' Warren warned himself. "I can leave tomorrow – the Accord is no more? What I just promised doesn't hold me here?"

"Nothing holds you here, my Archangel. Earth is free. You are free." Ztar spoke barely above a whisper, his voice shaky.

And so the universe had its first answer – Ztar freed Warren.

Free? Could this be real? Ztar said it was so and Ztar did not lie. It had to be real. Free!! God, it was like a dream come true! After four-plus years, finally and completely free! The relief was indescribable. Warren closed his eyes and let it sink in – no weight, no burden, no bondage. Tears of relief overtook the tears of self-imposed bondage.

"Thank you, Ztar," he said softly without opening his eyes.

Ztar felt tremors running through Archangel's body as an overwhelming sense of relief flowed to Ztar through their empathic connection. While Archangel's soul rejoiced, Ztar's soul was dying. He wasn't sure he could handle much more – the pain was too great. His own body shuddered.

When Warren felt Ztar quake, he opened his eyes and looked into Ztar's. The pain he saw was heart-wrenching. Warren could hardly look at the Emperor his face was so filled with despair.

Then Warren found himself replaying the reasons he had decided to go into willing bondage. His first choice five weeks ago to help heal Ztar by becoming his willing companion seemed to have had the right affect. Ztar's treatment of Warren had become steadily more of what Warren would describe as that of a healthy relationship. Ztar was far less selfish – less focused on his needs and more on Warren's and the relationship. And now, Ztar was willing to let Warren go – the biggest step of all! Mission accomplished.

Or was it? The image of Ztar near emotional breakdown at the thought of Warren leaving was disturbing. Could Warren sacrifice a little longer to help ensure a stable, emotionally whole leader for the sake of the Empire, which just happened to include Earth? The dream Ztar was making reality affected billions of lives. To have a stable Emperor at the helm during the transition would be critical. The very idea of a distraught and possibly depressed Ztar leading that effort in the coming months was not comforting. The dream needed Ztar's total focus, strength, and vision. The inner circle was important, but Ztar's leadership would be vital. Warren believed in Ztar's dream – the people of the Turzent Empire deserved it. If Warren chose not to stay for the man, he could choose to stay for the dream. His pragmatic side told him to stay.

And, surprisingly, his heart told him to stay, even if just a while longer. What would it hurt? Warren was not necessarily fully happy here, but he was comfortable. Ztar did love him; that he knew. And if Warren cared to admit it, he liked the new person Ztar was becoming, as he had told Ztar less than two days ago. With each step the Emperor took toward healing that Warren could take even some credit for, he found it rewarding. And finally, most important, Earth was safe and Warren was now free to return there at any time.

All the words of wisdom from Sukja, Moit'de, and Atichi reverberated in his mind. Warren had followed that advice and by helping Ztar he had reached his ultimate goal and more quickly that he could have dared imagine. Like Atichi and Mandric in "Times Ago," Warren's time in servitude was over. At last, he was free to choose! And finally, Warren's last conversation with Moit'de about being in Ztar's life for a purpose. Warren's soul said the purpose was not yet fulfilled.

Warren took another deep breath and let it out slowly. He looked directly into the eyes of the anguished man in front of him.

"Ztar," Warren placed his hand on the Emperor's trembling shoulder, "my answer is the same. I will still stay. I am staying with you." And with the words, Warren felt stronger than he had in a long time. And he knew, for the time being at least, it was the right decision.

The universe had its second answer – Warren chose to stay and it breathed once again.

"You're staying? But I don't- Why?" Ztar shook his head as if to clear it. "You're staying?"

"Yes." Warren managed a small smile to reassure the Emperor he was hearing correctly.

Words could not express Ztar's emotions. It was like new life washing through him. The feeling was beyond euphoria and it sank deep into his soul. It was glorious and magnificent and radiant and joyful!

Warren was rocked by the powerful feelings sweeping over him from Ztar. It was similar to his most joyous, rapturous flights in the skies. It was freedom and ecstasy combined into an emotion that there was no word for.

Ztar's lips trembled as they touched Warren's the brief moment before they took in Warren's mouth. The kiss was passionate and filled with so much emotion that Warren was dizzy from it. Ztar's arms ever so gently encircled Warren, a hand coming up between his wings to anchor the back of his head in the kiss.

Archangel slid his hands up Ztar's back to his shoulders to hold tight. Ztar nuzzled his companion's neck and ear before returning to the sensual lips. He felt the heat building in his body and hoped it was the same for Archangel. In a swift movement, he had an arm around Archangel's waist such that he could lift him off the floor enough to slide his other arm under the human to carry him as Ztar rose from the floor. The bed was only a few strides away for the tall Emperor.

Ztar leaned down to kiss his companion's eyes. Archangel's lashes were still moist from tears. He wanted to kiss away all reasons for tears. To protect Archangel from anything that may ever cause him to cry again.

"I love you more than life!" the Emperor proclaimed.

If Archangel was inclined to reply, Ztar prevented it with an intense kiss. Despite the heat of the moment, Ztar knew Archangel did not love him. Would that gulf between them ever be bridged? He swept all such thoughts aside. He wouldn't let them spoil this time with his beloved companion.

Ztar gently explored and titillated Archangel's body. He restrained his strength, and right now it didn't seem such a hardship. "Let the subtle sensations bring joy," Archangel had suggested to him in an earlier encounter after they had talked about Ztar's frustrations with having to hold back. The Emperor tenderly moved his hands over Archangel's chest and wings, focusing on the subtleties – smoothness of skin, silky texture of feathers, and firmness of muscles. He hoped to repeat the wonder of their night together at the chalet.

As Ztar continued to caress him, Warren spread his wings across the bed, giving the Emperor access to as much of them as he desired. The Emperor responded, pressing his hands into the wings, moving fingers gently between the feathers to the membrane beneath; then slowly, sensually combing his fingers down the length of the delicate structures. The motion sent waves of pleasure through Warren, and he moaned softly, closing his eyes. Ztar could do things to his wings that no one else had ever done, and that alone almost drove him to orgasm.

"Again!" Warren asked in a desire-filled voice, barely aware what he vocalized.

Ztar repeated the combing technique that obviously brought Archangel intense pleasure and again his companion moaned, his back arched slightly, and the wings rose slightly against the Emperor's hands. Ztar followed that by playing his lips over the Archangel's chest and wings. Ztar focused completely on the sensations of skin and feather – they were interpreted differently by his lips than his hands; more heightened and refined.

After Ztar had explored a second time with his lips, Warren pulled the Emperor's face to his, brushing their lips together and inviting him in. Ztar didn't need to be encouraged further and he plunged in for intoxicating kiss.

Ztar pulled slightly away and then teased Archangel's mouth, brushing lips against lips, a flick of the tongue, a nip of teeth. While his mouth was occupying Archangel's, Ztar hands were roaming further down Archangel's torso, suggestively close to where Ztar eventually wanted this to go. Again a moan and arching of the back told Ztar he'd hit the right spots. Then Archangel had apparently had enough of the mouth teasing, and he held Ztar's head still with his hands and took in the Turzent's mouth in a demanding kiss. Then a few quick yanks by Ztar's strong hands and Archangel's nightwear lay in tatters on the floor.

Ztar pressed his groin harder against Archangel's. He continued to excite Archangel's body, which in turn excited his own. Archangel's response became ever more urgent. At the same time, Archangel continued to build desire in Ztar with a knowing of Turzent's body from four years of experience. But Ztar felt this may be the first time that Archangel fully used that knowledge, even since his decision to be a willing bedmate. Tonight was a different Archangel – it was hard to explain. But explaining wasn't a priority for Ztar right now.

Warren plied skill how and where he knew it would bring the most pleasure to Ztar. Despite having told himself weeks ago that he would be Ztar's willing companion, he still had struggled unless Ztar helped suppress what was getting in the way. Tonight he felt he was able to push through those barriers on his own for the first time. The result was less technical manipulations and more instinctual and sensual. All a little hard to explain, but explaining wasn't Warren's focus. Pleasuring Ztar was.

Conscious thought began to melt away in both, overridden by the passionate fever that was building at a rapid pace. Their bodies vibrated with desire and anticipation. Fire ran through their veins as they took in the pleasures each was bringing to the other. This was far more intense than the night at the chalet and they were completely engulfed in it.

Warren's desire was almost too much for him. He wanted Ztar to enter him and bring the release that his body was demanding. His hands gripped Ztar's arms so strongly even the tough Turzent body might be bruised.

"Now, Ztar – please!" the words escaped Warren's lips that he had never believed he would utter.

Through the lusty fog, Ztar's mind registered the words and they were like an answer to his prayers. His Archangel asking for Ztar to take him, unprompted by telepathy, by a threatened Earth, or suppression of aversion!

Ztar was gentle as he slid into Archangel, and his companion moaned in pleasure. A little at a time, not too hurried to give Archangel's body time to adjust. 'Cause no pain!' Ztar reminded himself. It was difficult – he so wanted to thrust hard and deep, but not at Archangel's expense. This encounter was too perfect to ruin now. As he continued with care, Ztar found that his own pleasure was greater, more paced, and lasted longer. After several gentle entries, he was fully inside and then he could turn some of his focus back to himself and enjoy the wondrous sensation of plunging in and out of his beloved.

In spite of all the reasons that Warren shouldn't be enjoying this, he was. Ztar caused no pain this time. There had always been at least some pain. Heat ran through Warren and the ecstasy increased. And when Ztar fully thrust into him, he thought he would cum at any moment. His body wanted more! The feel of Ztar inside him without pain was bringing him closer to climax. In. Out. In. Out.

"Please…more!" escaped his lips, and Ztar was happy to fulfill the request. And when Ztar finally released inside him, Warren felt the hot fluid flow and that was the last trigger his body needed for his own release. And still he didn't want it to end! After four years, Warren had gained greater control over that mysterious energy that flowed from somewhere deep inside him. He conjured that energy now and it flowed up and through him to Ztar with the desired results.

Just as Ztar thought he might not be able to bear more pleasure, his Archangel gave even more, blessing him by releasing the rapture and ecstasy from that mysterious source that was his aura or soul or something different altogether – Ztar didn't care. He only knew that it was the most precious of gifts Archangel could give. And this night, he gave it freely.

Ztar and Warren trembled and moaned from the waves of rapturous ecstasy that enveloped them just as their orgasms began to fade, in effect drawing out the wondrous sensations longer and at a deeper level than possible without it.

When the afterglow of the orgasms and rapturous energy faded, both men were exhausted but happy. Archangel's head rested on Ztar's chest, wings spread around them, and Ztar stroked the golden locks and white feathers until Archangel drifted off.

Ztar smiled. This night was the most blissful and beautiful the Emperor had ever experienced with Archangel, or any lover in his lifetime. Yet in retrospect, he felt the emotional fulfillment transcended even the physical. It was as if Archangel was healing his very soul – replacing the darkness with light and warmth. And Ztar was in awe of the wondrous human that had promised stay with him by his own choosing. Still smiling, Ztar let himself drift off.

###

Early the next morning, Ztar sent word that the final version of the constitution was acceptable as written and that the Turzent-Earth Accord was to be null and void with its ratification. The relief was enormous.

As soon as all of Ztar's inner circle gave the constitution their blessing, it would be ratified. If just one of them had an objection, another draft would be required. But once ratified, the only question would be its enactment date. Much had to be done yet in preparation for that day, but Ztar wanted it to be soon – his people had waited long enough.

With the communication sent to Stjarmas'de, Ztar smiled to himself thinking back on the prior evening. Archangel had made a choice that would forever change Ztar's life. He had decided to stay, even without the Accord. Ztar could not image how life could be more perfect – his beloved companion at his side and his new Empire on the threshold of becoming actuality. It almost was too much to accept as real!

Ztar's next tasks were his daily meetings with his liaisons and then with Sukja. The liaison meeting he rushed as much as possible as it was his briefing with Sukja that he wanted to get to. The meeting still went longer than Ztar hoped. Many reports in connection with the governmental change – problems, issues, and challenges. But Ztar was so happy that morning, he was in no mood for bad news.

"And why is it that I only hear the bad news?" he asked his liaisons. Then Ztar told them that from now on he wanted to hear some positive reports, also.

Finally, his meeting with Sukja was next. Today, Ztar felt young again and full of feisty energy. He had carefully planned how he was going to share the news. Now if could only pull this off, he thought with a mischievous smirk.

"Good morning, Sukja," he greeted his aide with little enthusiasm.

"Good morning, my Emperor. Is all well?" Sukja had immediately picked up on the solemn tone.

"I told Stjarmas'de this morning to go ahead with the constitution as written. We now just wait to hear from the rest of my advisors. If all goes well, it will be ratified by day's end." Ztar kept his voice and posture reflective of sadness.

Sukja was now very much concerned. The Emperor was definitely not happy, and Sukja thought he knew why.

"And your decision regarding Earth?" he ventured carefully.

"I told the Counselor the Accord is void as soon as the constitution is ratified," Ztar bowed his head and gripped the edge of his desk.

Sukja sucked in a breath. He nearly didn't want to ask the next logical question, but felt he must since Ztar wasn't offering the information.

"Does Archangel know?" Sukja asked as gently as he could.

"Yes, Sukja, he does. I told him my decision to release Earth last night. He made his decision very quickly," Ztar nearly whispered the reply, not looking at his aide.

Sukja was confused. He was having a hard time with Ztar's reaction – it wasn't the despair Sukja would have expected if Archangel was leaving, but he was obviously upset. Was the Emperor in shock? In denial?

Sukja rose, walked around the desk to Ztar's side, and knelt beside him.

"My Emperor – Ztar…Archangel is not staying? Is that what you're telling me?"

"No, Sukja." Ztar smiled inside – Sukja had asked two questions and Ztar answered truthfully to one. But he wouldn't let this deception go on too long.

"Ztar, I am sorry beyond words…"

Ztar looked at the pained expression on Sukja's face and the eyes that were filling with tears. He would end this now. When Ztar smiled, his eyes twinkled.

Sukja was at first baffled, but he'd had always been quick on his feet. He realized had asked the Emperor two very different questions.

"My Emperor," he said suspiciously, "you answered my second question, didn't you?"

"Sukja, I am the most blessed Turzent alive! Archangel said he would stay!" Ztar nearly burst from saying the news aloud.

The Ozjaerian wasn't sure he heard correctly. "Archangel is staying? Even without the Accord?" Sukja didn't think that was possible. First and foremost, Archangel was not homosexual or even bi-sexual from everything Ztar had told him. And Archangel's goal has always been to be freed. Why would he stay?!

"I don't know the full reasons, but he promised to stay. He will keep his word, Sukja, I know him!" Ztar was on his feet and Sukja joined him. Ztar embraced the still perplexed Sukja.

"My Emperor, I am speechless."

"That may be a first!" Ztar held Sukja by the shoulders, laughing.

"Archangel actually said he was staying – with you. Not just here on Sat'rey." Sukja wanted to be very sure the Emperor had not misunderstood. If he had, it could be devastating.

Ztar realized that Sukja doubted he had understood Archangel correctly.

"Sukja, believe me – Archangel is staying here with me at the palace. His exact words I'll remember always, 'I will still stay. I am staying with you.' And Sukja, we made the most wonderful love after. Not sex, Sukja! It was so much more! I have never experienced anything so powerful!"

"He said this after you said you would free Earth?"

"Yes, Sukja. I told him the Accord was void and released him from it. I was very clear. And he still said he'd stay! I do believe in miracles today!" Ztar so wanted Sukja to share his joy. But this wasn't playing out as Ztar had thought, and he was feeling let down.

Sukja shook his head. It was still hard to fathom. Archangel giving himself fully to the Emperor while under the Accord was one thing, but this? Sukja hadn't once caught a hint that the human was seriously contemplating such a step. He knew Archangel had been wrestling with the uncertainties of Earth's status under the new constitution, but Sukja just couldn't connect the dots that would lead Archangel to this decision. Not without Earth in the balance.

So Sukja prayed that Ztar was right – that Archangel was indeed staying with the Emperor. But Sukja wanted to know why. Ztar's emotional wellbeing was too important to be played with if Archangel thought he could make that decision and then later simply up and leave on a whim.

"Sukja, I thought you'd be happy for me."

Sukja heard the hurt in his Emperor's voice. "I am! It's just a shock – although a pleasant one. I'm just trying to take it in."

Ztar could accept that. Archangel's choice was a shock. A beautiful, wonderful, joyous shock! He'd give Sukja time to accept the news. Ztar gave his aide another quick hug.

Leaving Ztar's office, Sukja was still troubled. He hoped he was just being overly protective of the man he'd spent many years and much energy helping to grow and heal emotionally. Perhaps a direct talk with Archangel was in order.

###

Ztar kept his PI next to him the rest of day waiting for word that Stjarmas'de had heard from the rest of his inner circle members. At dinner with Archangel and Sukja that evening in Ztar's chambers, his PI chimed indicating a message from the Counselor.

Ztar stared at the PI but didn't move to activate it.

"Emperor, I believe that's for you!" Sukja chided warmly.

Ztar returned the smile. "It's just potentially such an important message. Is this the day we've anticipated for months?"

"You won't know if you don't pick up the message!" Warren prompted.

Ztar lifted the device and activated the message retrieval. One word said it all – "Ratified."

Archangel and Sukja didn't need Ztar to say anything – his face said it all.

"Congratulations, my Emperor!" Sukja's enthusiasm came through loud and clear.

"My congratulations also, Ztar," Warren added warmly. "It's a magnificent accomplishment!" He was happy for the Empire and its people. Another step toward greater freedoms and controlling their own destinies. And he was happy for Ztar.

"Thank you both. But this is just the beginning – much work lies ahead. The easy part is done!"

"I'll get us some more Dison," Warren offered seeing that the first bottle was nearly empty. He rose from the table and made his way to Ztar's liquor storage.

Archangel grabbed the Dison and turned from the cabinet and directly into Ztar, startled. Ztar had stealthily followed Archangel and approached so close that when Archangel turned, the two were standing toe to toe. Ztar smiled at the look of surprise on the human's face.

Before Warren knew what was happening, Ztar's mouth was on his. It surprised him, but he gave in to the kiss. Ztar pulled him closer, the bottle of Dison squeezed between their bodies. The kiss was passionate and deep and full of longing.

Suddenly, Warren remembered Sukja was in the room. He pulled away sharply. As far as Warren knew, it would be the first time Sukja had witnessed more than a gentle caress between the two men, and he was slightly embarrassed.

"Sukja," he whispered to the Ztar so he'd know why Warren pulled back.

Ztar tipped Warren's chin up and grinned mischievously. "I think he knows we're lovers, my Archangel."

Warren could feel the heat in his cheeks. Then he heard Sukja's gentle chuckle.

"I can leave you two alone if you wish!"

With his arms still around Archangel, Ztar turned to Sukja. "No, let's celebrate together a little longer. And, I'd like to be entertained with some of your stories, Sukja. I can never get enough of them!"

The balance of the evening was spent celebrating the new constitution, Ztar reading the congratulatory messages from his inner circle, and enjoying Sukja's master storytelling. And much later, Ztar and Archangel celebrated in their own way.

###

Stjarmas'de was on the comm and Ztar didn't like what the Counselor was saying.

"So the Accord would remain in effect until Earth comes fully under the Constitution?"

The Counselor nodded affirmatively. "That way, no one can find fault – all treaties and accords will be handled in exactly the same manner. Each remaining in effect until the bound system is transitioned. This is the best approach, my Emperor."

"But I already told Archangel he was free!" Ztar pressed.

"And he is, Emperor, if in actuality you're unwilling to enforce the Accord. That's what I'm understanding you to have said," Stjarmas'de pointed out.

"You understand correctly. I will not enforce the Accord any longer." Ztar sighed. He saw the logic in what his top legal counselor was saying, but he was still disappointed that the Accord would continue at least in the eyes of the law for another year or so. Yet really, what did it matter if no one would enforce it? The Accord became meaningless, just like so many old laws that no longer held relevance.

"Very well, Counselor. I will allow this as long as it is understood the Accord is not to be enforced in any manner."

"Understood, my Emperor."

###