A/N: Chapter 36 lightens the mood as it opens. One of my favorite minor characters returns to add a bit of humor. Tensions mount, though, when Warren and Ztar meet – hopefully, you'll enjoy their special brand of that! And poor Ettwanae, back on Volu, worrying as the former lovers meet.

Chapter 36

"Gragne!" Warren exclaimed at seeing his former elite guardsman. The man he'd come to know more than casually pulled himself off the bulkhead.

"Archangel, sir. Good to see you again!" the man greeted with a huge smile.

"Cut the sir business," Warren admonished friendlily. "How have you been?" Warren felt instantly relaxed seeing the familiar face. He liked Gragne – had from their very first meeting.

"Quite bored since you left Sat'rey. Life was more…lively when you were at the palace."

Warren laughed. "Lively isn't the word I'd use. Would have preferred a more serene existence."

Gragne nodded in understanding. "And here you are back with us again, but only for a quick visit."

"You are correct. You assigned to me again?" Warren opened the water and took a long swig. He almost let out an 'ah-h-h-h-h' at the relief.

"While you're shuttling to and from the Mi-Lartui, I'm your man."

Warren took several more chugs and reveled in the cool, blessed wetness flowing down his arid throat. "Sorry – parched," he explained with a cock of the bottle. "Still working palace security then?"

"Yes indeed. Not much has changed, except I'm back watching the Emperor's royal behind now," the man teased. "Don't think for a minute I forgive you for abandoning me like so much space junk." The stern look didn't come across quite as effectively as Gragne probably hoped.

Warren chuckled. "It was time for me to go home. Life back on Earth beckoned."

Gragne snorted. "Not enough to keep you there from what I hear." The man leaned closer. "You don't need a highly-experienced-with-pay-to-match guard where you're going, do you?" he asked, voice hushed.

That surprised Warren. He shook his head. "If I do, you'll be the first to know. Are you looking for a new post?"

Gragne eased back. "Not actively, but if something more challenging comes along..." he let the rest hang with a slight shrug. "Keep it in mind. From what I've seen, you've gotten yourself in an odd bit of trouble. I think you should consider my offer."

Warren narrowed his eyes. "Did Ztar put you up to this? His way of keeping tabs on me?"

Gragne laughed boisterously, deep brown eyes twinkling. "Came up with it all by myself, Archangel. I'm bored. You're apparently not, least according to the comnet."

Warren grimaced. "I'd rather not know all the comnet is saying – sometimes naivety is a preferable state."

Gragne raised an orange-haired eyebrow at that, leaving Warren wondering about that bit of body language. He took a moment to study the alien who'd become a friend during his time on Sat'rey. Alcab's had no eyebrows, so that was Gragne's Turzent half. The guard was blended Turzent and Alcab and the contrast was striking. A thick head of bright orange hair that took its color from Alcab genetics, but the texture was Turzent and not at all unruly like Gatebi's. Dark brown eyes were flecked with gold, a Turzent characteristic, but a tan sclera, which was definitely Alcab. His stocky build was more akin to Alcab, but his height at over six feet was all Turzent. Gragne's skin tone leaned more to the olive side of brown than found in Alcabs. Warren refocused on their conversation.

"How are the rest of the guys…Lar, Ab?"

"Doing fine. Lar extends his greetings. Ab's assigned to Jharda now. He travels quite a bit following her around the Empire, though that will likely slow as the baby gets nearer."

"Yeah, I'm excited for her and Ztar."

Gragne waved a hand in agreement. "Who would have thought those two would become a couple after so many years working together? Guess matters of love can take mysterious turns."

The guardsman was giving Warren an odd look that told him the man had questions he wouldn't ask. "They're meant to be together, those two," he opinioned. "They go way back to their early military days. Sometimes love goes on hiatus until the timing is right. I think that was the case with Ztar and Jharda."

"They do appear very happy, but he still talks about you often, even around Jharda. It's obvious he wishes you'd never left." Gragne's face softened and his voice lowered. "Did anyone tell you how badly he reacted to your departure a year ago?"

Warren sucked in a breath. "No-o-o."

"He didn't come out of his chambers for days. Would talk to no one. Looked like he'd been dragged through the Pits of Pardian when he did finally emerge." The orange-crowned head shook slowly. "Even then, it was like he wasn't with us if you understand my meaning. That went on for a quite a while. Came out of it gradually. Now, though," Gragne smiled again and his voice was more voluminous, "he's walks around with a grin plastered on his face at even the suggestion of children. Unless you want a full dissertation on the ins and outs and nuances of Turzent pregnancy, don't ask how Jharda's been coping with her condition. And you'd think the man himself was bearing the child!"

They shared a good laugh over that.

"I think I'll have to ask just to hear him ramble on," Warren joked, but indeed curious to see that side of the man. "Anything new with you?"

Gragne crossed his arms and reassumed his previous position against the shuttle bulkhead. "Not really. One doesn't get much of a chance at a personal life in my position. Another reason I'm getting restless I guess. Time for me to think about what the future holds – can't be elite guard forever."

"Private security an option?" Warren took another swig of cool fluid. His thirst was being abated, but it did nothing to dull the hunger.

"That's what I'm leaning toward. I don't know anything but the protection business."

"With your credentials, it shouldn't be hard to find a position elsewhere – and one that pays well."

"That's the theory!" Gragne said with a quick grin.

"How's Lar? When I left there was a woman in Yaunra…"

"Now that, my friend, was an interesting situation. Turned out she was playing him along and was also involved with one of the diplomats over at the embassy estates. Lar was pretty devastated, though unless you knew him well, you couldn't tell. I think he may have actually fallen in love with her, poor guy."

"Cheating hearts are everywhere," Warren lamented with a shake of the head.

"How about you? Besides trekking around looking for long-dead races, anything new? Anyone special in your life since the big guy?"

Warren felt his ears redden, totally unlike him. "Well…"

Gragne perked up. "It's someone on your ship, right?" The man didn't wait for confirmation. "I knew it! Told Ab there was more to things than you searching for some dusty artifacts of a long-dead race." Gragne looked very pleased with himself over his deductive skills.

One of the other guards approached. "Sirs, we'll be docking shortly."

Procedure required everyone be seated, so they grabbed a couple nearby spots. Warren draped his wings to either side being careful not to catch the feathers on any of the framework. His stomach decided to lodge a loud protest about its ignored condition and he shot a sheepish grin to Gragne. "Hungry."

"You? Really? Such a shock!" Gragne's teasing made Warren chuckle. "She has a name I assume?" The man pressed.

"Ettwanae – and it's nothing certain. There is mutual attraction, but…" Warren flinched inwardly. 'Way to downplay, Worthington!'

"Don't wait too long, Archangel. But it does appear you have a plan… the famous companion turned archeological sleuth pursuing more than secrets of the past." A snicker followed.

'Companion.' Warren rolled the word around, letting the associated feelings rise. He was mildly surprised when he realized all the hurtful and humiliating connotations that had accompanied the term for years no longer tainted it. So much had changed.

"Right now I'm afraid that's infamous." He sighed audibly at the frustrating turn of events while glad for a chance to change the subject away from Ettwanae. "The situation has everyone working overtime to save my ass," he said shaking his head and unconsciously flicking the wings. "Makes me angry just thinking about the time and energy waste going into this fiasco."

Warren felt a gentle bump as the shuttle set down. Everyone else immediately stood up even though the shuttle door remained closed. 'Amazingly like passengers on commercial airplanes back home,' he compared humorously.

Gragne waved a dismissive hand. "Hey, I've seen worse things fade away than this Tchut bullshit. The gossips and news snoops get tired of a story and move on to fresher prey. If they can't find something, they contrive it. Just like with the Ennovy-Eiram reception, if you recall. Though I guess in retrospect…" Gragne let the sentence dangle.

Warren raised his eyebrows at the odd reference as they rose. "You mean the most recent reception?"

"I do. Had the comnet waves pulsing for days!" Gragne headed toward the opening hatch. "Though not exactly the kind of attention everyone wanted. You handled it well I must say."

Warren was puzzled. He'd bowed out of the affair, and Ztar ended up taking Jharda at Warren's urgings. What had he missed? No one had said anything afterward that he could recall. "What do you mean?" he said, quick to stay on Gragne's heels as the guard moved toward the exit.

The man stopped in mid-stride and his head snapped back around to face Warren. "What?"

"What happened at the reception?"

The Alcab/Turzent turned to face Warren fully with a dead-serious expression. "Archangel, tell me you're jesting."

Now Warren was leery. "About…?"

"Archangel, repeat after me: 'Gragne, I'm joking. I know all about that little situation.' " The odd request came in a near whisper.

Warren frowned as Stjarmas'de and his entourage moved past to leave the craft at Gragne's insistent wave of an arm to go around, overriding protocol that said everyone should wait for both Stjarmas'de and Warren to exit. "Gragne, what the hell are you talking about?"

"Archangel, do me a favor. When I turn you over to Ab, anything he says, go with it. Just like you know all about that…incident."

"I repeat, Gragne, what are you talking about?" he protested as the man steered him by the elbow toward the exit to bring up the rear of the exodus.

"Just do it – your reputation and mine is at stake. Drinks. After Ztar. Main lounge. Be there."

"But-"

"Just do it. I'll explain later," he hissed in Warren's ear, pulling him down the ramp.

"But-"

"Emperor's waiting, blue-eyes."

"Bl-blue-eyes? What the hell-?" was all Warren got out before they hit the bottom of the shuttle ramp and abruptly facing Ab. Warren resettled his wings that had somehow spread without permission and then tried to collect the rest of himself.

Abmirzarcz, or Ab as some called him, was giving them a very odd look, probably because Gragne had practically dragged Warren down the ramp. The elite guardsman was from Tchutchka Centrus but far from pureblood Tchut. Ab had a few of the characteristics as the flat-bodied species, but was much more 'inflated' and sans the extra limbs. What made up the rest of his genetic goulash Warren could only guess – a good measure of Turzent for certain from the robust build and black-crimson hair, maybe a pinch of Ozjaerian from the slight orange-tinged skin and four-digit hands, and perhaps a dash of Sat'reyan from the large, coal-black eyes. Some unknown ancestor provided the nose that was more of a snout. All combined, Ab was a truly unique individual, but Warren had matters demanding his focus, none of which included the man's lineage.

"Archangel, a pleasure to see you again, sir. Gragne being his usual reticent self?" The man's mouth turned up just slightly at the corners with the sarcasm, but other than that, the stance was all business.

Before Warren could even open his mouth, Gragne jumped in. "He's all yours, Ab. Just make sure I'm notified as soon as their business is concluded. I'm to escort him planetside." Then Gragne gave Warren another quick, expressive shot that said, 'I'm beggin' here, man,' as he followed the others through the bay toward the exit.

Warren wanted to ask why Gragne couldn't take him up, but it really didn't matter. Confused and feeling off-kilter, Warren pulled his eyes from Gragne's quickly retreating form to meet Ab's intense stare.

"Are you well, Archangel?"

"Ahhh, fine. I'm good. And you?" He struggled to regain mental footing. 'What the hell was that all about?'

"The Emperor is waiting – quite impatiently, I'm told. After you, sir." Ab indicated for Warren to proceed with a quick hand flick and then followed close by his side as they moved toward the hangar exit.

"How's the family, Ab? Your sister's child must be…how old now?" He remembered some of the details from their conversation during Warren's solo mountain retreat on Sat'rey. Ab had nearly gushed enthusiasm for his one and only nephew.

"He's nearly two imperial years now and growing like a dreit cub! Monzie can't keep up with him."

Warren recalled that was the sister's name. "If only we could have some of that youthful energy," he joked.

Ab gave him a quick grin and nod. "Speaking of energy, I understand you're clicking off the sectors on a regular basis these days. Comnet says you're searching for U'larr artifacts?" There was mild surprise in the tone. They passed through the bay door and stopped in front of the lift. Ab palmed the bio-sig control.

"A new pursuit of mine. The race caught my interest when I first learned of the Esserru and U'Larr legends six years ago. It was kind of a natural curiosity," he added a ruffle of his wings for emphasis. It was a stretch, but close enough to the truth and echoed the official statements Stjarmas'de shared with him that Jharda's office issued in response to the Tchutchka incident.

They waited for the lift, which was obviously busy elsewhere. "Not always sure what to believe on the net. Sometimes what's passed off as fact is not so factual." Warren nodded in agreement – nothing new. "Reminiscent of the Ennovy-Eiram reception – now that was an interesting interpretation by the comnet rumorists."

Ab was giving Warren a sideways glance that contrasted the nonchalant tone. 'What's up between Gragne and Ab?' If Warren's curiosity hadn't been heightened before, it was now soaring. Oh, how he wanted to ask what the second elite guardsman was talking about! But he decided to toss his loyalty to Gragne – they'd known each other longer.

"Part of their job, I guess. Repeat simple opinion until it somehow morphs it into well-known fact," he replied with generality tapping into his experience with the gossip news on Earth. When you're a billionaire, an undeniably handsome bachelor, and known mutant, you're what sells paparazzi shots and newspaper columns.

Ab shifted from one foot to the other, clasping hands behind his back. Warren continued to stare at the elevator door for any sign of movement.

Turning to face Warren directly, Ab's face became one of absolute neutrality. "Yes, one must rise above the idle gossip. Still, irritating when people blatantly suggested what they did about our Emperor. I know it infuriated many palace staff." Ab was scrutinizing every nuance of Warren's reaction; right down to the errant twitch in left his wing he wasn't able to suppress. "Of course, we all know to not give credence to such things by bantering it around. Everyone handled the situation with perfect decorum, I must say – almost as if they weren't aware."

Warren nodded while feeling the gaze of Abs black eyes burn into the side of his head. He was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. What the hell were Ab and Gragne talking about that no one had mentioned before? Why now after all this time? Was something dragged up by recent news coverage?

"Naturally, all such nonsense was quickly filtered out of the palace news feeds and most everyone quickly forgot about it."

'What the fuck?' Warren feigned a disinterested sigh in diametric opposition to his internal state. "Good to hear."

Ab faced the unmoving door once again. "I suppose being Royal Court, you develop a certain immunity to media speculation and sensationalism."

'Jesus, what's taking the damn elevator so long!' Warren risked turning to Ab. "I'm used to it more from Earth than anything. You learn to ignore it or it'll drive you crazy."

"That's what Gragne said." The man left it at that, but looked out of the corner of his eye in Warren's direction.

The door slid silently open and Warren hurried inside. "Deck 2." He began to debate whether to interrogate Ztar over the Ennovy-Eiram affair. Then again, if someone happened at the big shindig that Ztar felt needed to be blocked from palace broadcast, he may not appreciate the topic. Perhaps another approach.

"So what was your take on it, if you don't mind my asking?" Sometimes, an angel's got to tread where even fools dare to tiptoe.

"Hyperbolic sensationalism to sate the viewing public's unconscious desire to see the exalted in a gaucherie predicament that descends them from the realms of pseudo gods to that of the common masses."

Warren blinked, thinking for a split second Ab had been replaced by Hank McCoy. "Huh," he replied out of a habit that he'd formed years ago when Beast would flaunt his vocabulary virtuosity. And Warren had to admire the man's deadpan expression. The inquiry had gotten him exactly nowhere. "And from your perspective, what likely sated that desire most?" Warren could be tenacious as well as foolhardy.

A small smile crept across Ab's features as the lift door opened onto the Imperial deck. The guard waited for Warren to exit before replying. "I leave conjecturing to those more intimately involved."

Warren felt that there was at minimum a two-edge meaning to that response, which did nothing but further inflame his already raging curiosity. Warren was running out of time as they headed toward Ztar's suite.

"Often, someone removed from the situation can give a more balanced perspective. Humor me if you would, Ab." Last try.

Ab was silent for way too many paces. They were nearly at Ztar's door. "Archangel, I will say this," Ab began as he placed a hand on the security pad to the imperial chambers. "The images will likely be replayed for years whenever the appropriate occasion presents itself."

The door slid open. 'Damn!'

"Archangel!" Ztar's deep voice reverberated with delight.

###

She was worried. Sick-to-her-stomach worried. Volu informed her as soon as a familiar ship appeared on sensors – a vessel she recognized from Hydeera. During that encounter, Volu put the pieces together and determined the standoffish ship hovering between the second and third planets was indeed the empire's highest-ranking vessel.

A few hours ago, that same vessel and its escort dropped into extended orbit around Tchutchka Centrus and the Emperor was likely in residence. Now Volu had explained that Warren boarded a shuttle heading to said ship. It added up to a nerve-racking situation. The former lovers would be together. Considering Warren was soulbound to the Empire's ruler… Ettwanae shuddered. She knew the power of soulbinding. That Volu classified Warren's bond to the Turzent as false mattered little. Aru and Ura would join forces to draw Warren and Ztar together and be merciless in their demand for a mating after the weeks-long separation. That was the way of soulbounds.

She countered herself that Warren had left the Turzent twice before. She reasoned the Emperor apparently had taken a mate. Ettwanae rationalized Warren, if not Ztar as well, would respect the relationship. She argued Warren cared for her now; at least he said he did. She attempted to convince herself that Warren was strong…strong enough to resist…stronger than the pull of Aru and Ura.

It wasn't working.

"Oh, Volu. What happens if it happens? Won't that just reinforce the bond all over again? What if he decides to stay with Ztar?"

"Warren left Ztar before, he will do so again." Volu sounded convinced.

"But how many times can he do that?"

"As many times as necessary, my Poda."

"But the pull will be strong after the long separation!" The doubts wouldn't let go.

"That didn't stop him from leaving Sat'rey just two months ago."

"He is strong, isn't he?" she feigned belief.

"He is, perhaps in part because the bond is not as powerful as a true soulbinding."

That was something to latch on to – a weak bond. She pulled her knees up tight against her chest and formed an isolating cocoon with her wings. Burying her head inside the whiteness, she prayed for Ozshi'wanae to give her soulbound-to-be strength. "Please," she whispered her plea from beneath the feathers.

###

Volu watched Ettwanae disappear within her white shroud, and she hurt for her Other. Volu worried, too, about Warren, but for a reason Ettwanae did not know. Had he managed to untangle himself from the mess that Tchutchka Centrus had become? Volu wasn't certain if she should be encouraged by Warren's trip to the Emperor's flagship or concerned. Had the inquisition gone well or otherwise? There was little to be done but wait for Warren's return. If he returned.

Ettwanae, though, was nearly distraught over a simpler matter. Warren had taken his PI. Volu had long ago deciphered the communications and security codes for the device. She could direct-link if she desired. Volu decided. If Warren stayed aboard the Emperor's vessel too long, she would attempt to reach him. And if her incessant signal interrupted something more than talking, all the better.

###

The door slid close on Ab as Ztar took Warren into a bear hug, nearly lifting him from the floor. Ztar's chambers smelled wonderfully of food and his mouth started watering. As the embraced lingered, Warren scanned the room – he spied the table set for only two.

"Good to see you to, Ztar," Warren managed around the breath-robbing squeeze by the far stronger man. "Do I get to see the mother-to-be as well?" he asked hoping she'd be present.

Ztar released his hold and pushed Warren back gently to arm's length to examine him. "She is attending to duties on Bast."

Warren was puzzled. "But Ab's here – isn't he assigned to Jharda?"

"Temporarily reassigned to me while one of my guards is off." The Turzent did a quick up-and-down assessment. "You look tired."

Warren snorted. "Lengthy interrogations will do that to you."

"Stjarmas'de told me you performed well." Ztar dropped his hands.

"You 'pathed him?" Warren guessed.

Ztar nodded. "I will learn more later. Sukja is handling the debriefing. I wanted to see you and don't wish to spoil our visit by talking of that ludicrous situation," the man said with obvious disdain.

Warren's stomach rumbled at that moment and Ztar cocked an amused eyebrow. Sighing deeply in resignation, Warren knew what was likely coming. "Yes, Ztar, I'm hungry. Famished in fact."

"I would be surprised if you weren't!" the Turzent chuckled. "Hence, our meal awaits."

Warren moved around Ztar in a beeline to the liquor cabinet. "I need a drink first. Join me?" he asked with a backward glance around a wing. The man gestured yes. "Things went as good as could be expected according to Stjarmas'de. Hopefully, this 'ludicrous situation' will soon be over."

No other words were spoken as Warren poured two glasses of Dison, but he felt Ztar's eyes the whole time. It was almost a physical touch – down the back of his neck, across the shoulders, sliding the length of the wings… He clamped down quickly on where those sensations were leading. He was really wishing Jharda were on board. 'Coincidence that she's not?' he wondered, hoping Ztar was more honorable than that. 'There will not, I repeat NOT, be a replay of several weeks ago,' he told himself in no uncertain terms. He turned to face Ztar, drinks in hand.

"I'm sure I don't have to ask if you're ready to eat," the man grinned mischievously as he headed toward the kitchen area. "The food is in the warming compartment."

"Smells wonderful!" Warren salivated as he inhaled the delicious aromas wafting in the air. "And why does everyone feel the need to poke fun at my slightly enhanced appetite?" he lamented, handing a glass to the Turzent as Ztar moved past. "Gragne hit me not five minutes after I boarded the shuttle!"

"Some things are just as they are, Archangel." Ztar smirked before taking a quick sip of the sweet/fiery liqueur.

They made fast work of pulling out the food and settling at the table. Warren wasted no time digging in.

With a bemused expression, Ztar watched Warren inhale several forks full of food. Warren considered asking if Ztar was being adequately entertained, but speaking would have slowed down the eating.

Finally picking up his fork and selecting a morsel, Ztar spoke. "How goes the quest? Any new clues? Have you found anything? Any unusual happenings?"

Warren stopped chewing and looked into the dark chocolate eyes. Something unspoken was there. "We've made progress and have a new lead. And by unusual, I might as well be the one to tell you we violated a restricted area around a non-contact world – Neu. Sorry, but we had no choice. We did acquire a couple important artifacts as a result, though."

Ztar set his utensil down and held Warren's gaze. "Did you run into any troubles? Aside from Tchut, of course."

Warren studied Ztar closely. Part of him wanted to share what he and Ettwanae had done on Neu, but he felt obligated to keep details about her to himself. Just as he wouldn't share what he'd learned about the secondary lifeforce he carried being Ztar's. "Tchut was enough excitement for me," he dodged, then stuffed in another mouthful of food.

Ztar rested his arms on either side of this plate. "You know you can tell me anything – it will remain between us."

Warren felt certain Ztar was holding back. 'But what?' He nodded. "I know, but those I'm with are cautious about revealing too much," he admitted truthfully.

"I'd like to help, Archangel. I offer vast resources." The Turzent leaned in. "If you run into a dangerous situation, I can protect you."

'Is he fretting over Tchut, the Etagllot, something else?' Again, Warren was left wondering. "Thanks, Ztar, but we can defeat ourselves."

"I believe you can."

It was a bit of an odd statement and he sent the man an inquisitive look, but Ztar's eyes were on his plate. Something was going on beneath the surface and Warren had an unmistakable feeling that Ztar had another question he wanted to ask or something more to say, but was refraining for some reason.

Warren decided to plunge in to what Gragne warned him about. "So, how is Jharda's pregnancy going?"

That was all it took. The man's face brightened to such a level Warren thought he should have brought his Ray Bans. What came next was a detail by too-much-information detail of every nuance of the Turzent pregnancy experience, right down to the growth of a something called a birthing claw on Jharda's left index finger. Warren didn't really want to know any more, but Ztar picked up on his bewilderment.

"They use that to cut the fetal sack during birthing," Ztar explained with a look of admiration for the female of his species.

"I had no idea!" Warren gave his best I-share-your-awe look while trying hard not to hold to the conjured images while eating.

"And if it's not done at the right time, the birthing stalls and that can cause the baby great stress. A woman has to know what she's doing. I've made sure Jharda has the best birthing master available. No need to take unnecessary risks our first time."

Ztar elaborated while Warren chewed on the delicate meat entrée. Whatever is was, it was quite good, and vaguely familiar. Its subtle sweetness reminded him of lobster, but the texture was creamier. Then it hit him. 'Ha! This is sweet sea meat from Alcab,' he realized, amused at the coincidence.

"Did you know that birthing takes as little as 30 tonis? One must be prepared, Archangel. Things can go very quickly."

Warren shook his head. "I hadn't a clue!" he replied with appropriate surprise, then stabbed piece of some kind of plant matter he didn't recognize. A tonis was the Sat'rey equivalent of a minute and 30 of them translated to roughly 45 minutes in Earth time.

"It is truth! Now that I know, we will have the birthing master at Jharda's side at all times the last weeks. Of course, on average, birthing takes two to three tona. That is more typical for a first child." The Emperor clarified with an authoritative tone.

Equating tona to hours, and he got the general idea. "That's fast."

"Indeed. Our species is quite efficient in most things, reproduction included. Most other species seem to have a longer gestational period than Turzents, Archangel. Some carry their young more than an imperial year." The man seemed quite amazed by that. "And I've learned that in some species, birthing is very painful. Can you imagine? Why would that possibly be? Makes no sense from species continuation standpoint."

Ztar was looking at him as if to provide the answer. He swallowed quickly. "I agree, but have no explanation." Warren really wished the conversation would move to a topic more conducive to dining. "So-o-o, how's the rest of the Empire holding up under the stress of a pending royal heir?" He joked. Ztar jerked slightly, then narrowed his eyes, leaning forward. Warren cringed. 'Mistake!'

"Archangel, having a child is serious business and not to be taken lightly. Jharda and I face years of careful decisions and child rearing challenges. In addition to normal parental concerns, we must prepare the child as our future ruler. I shouldn't have to tell you the complexity that adds to our situation. Under ordinary circumstances, raising a child is a daunting undertaking; let alone what Jharda and I face."

Warren put up his hands in surrender. "Sorry, Ztar! It wasn't my intent to trivialize." He apologized at the abashment. "It is a big responsibility, but I can't think of two people more capable of raising healthy, happy child who just so happens to be our future emperor. You and Jharda will be fabulous parents."

The father-to-be's face softened. "Thank you. I'm pleased you understand the immenseness of the task, especially since Jharda and I have decided to ask you to be the child's vauntu." A huge smile broke across the Turzent's face.

Warren stopped chewing and raised his eyebrows. "Vauntu?"

Ztar set his utensils down and leaned back in the chair. "Only if you're willing. It's a responsibility that some do not wish to take upon themselves. If you'd rather not, there is no dishonor and we will not be offended."

Warren swallowed hoping the meal wasn't over – he was far from full. "Excuse my ignorance, but what is a vauntu?"

"It is a mentoring role. Each vauntu ensures that a specific aspect of the child's upbringing is performed in accordance with the teachings of Vaun. Vaun was a great Turzent philosopher, warrior, and spiritual leader. He established the guidelines for what makes a civilization thrive. Three vauntus are assigned to a child – one for the body, one for the mind, and the third for the soul. Jharda and I would like you to be our child's soul guide."

Warren was stunned. "Ztar, I'm flattered, but I know nothing of your religious customs."

"This has nothing to do with religion."

"Then I'm misunderstanding." He had been imagining a godparent-like role; helping a child live within their faith.

Ztar leaned forward, arms resting on the table; an expression of deep earnest on his face. "The body vauntu guides a child in building a strong, fit body. They also watch over to ensure he or she receives training in the warrior arts. A vauntu of the mind focuses on the child's mental development to maximize cognitive potential. Soul vauntus provide guidance in areas such as self-expression and nurturing the inner self. They assist the child in building healthy relationships and learning empathy. Vauntus work as partners with the parents in raising a fully balanced child, healthy in body, mind, and soul."

Warren was even more taken aback by the request. It was obviously both an honor and a huge responsibility…one in which the vauntu should nearby to perform. Warren didn't exactly live next door. "Ztar," he started softly, "I am humbled and honored that you and Jharda think me capable of such a role. If I lived on Sat'rey, it is something I would consider despite feeling that you see in me more ability in the area of soul health than I possess. I am woefully under qualified, and the distances are too great for me to do right by your child. He or she needs someone who's physically nearby."

Ztar studied him awhile before replying. "I know of no one more qualified. Look what you accomplished in me!" Warren started to protest, but Ztar put up a hand to halt him. "You can argue the point, but you will not change my mind. You guided me in the healing of my soul. And I felt your deep peacefulness during your recent visit to Sat'rey – you have also healed your own spirit. Who better for our child to call upon should they feel soul pain? I don't know how you did what you did for me, but it was a miracle. I want our child to know you, to be comfortable reaching out to you. I want my child to have my…Esserru in his life."

"But I'm not-" Warren began his usual argument, but Ztar cut him off.

"Maybe you aren't Esserru biologically, but you are in spirit. You touch parts of the soul with something that defies definition. That is what I've come to conclude. That is what I want for my child."

Warren cocked his head at the ruler of the Turzent Empire. The man was still convinced that Warren was responsible for his transformation from internally tortured, selfishly sadistic, and outwardly harsh to a gentle, loving man and benevolent ruler. Warren would only go as far as accepting that he was a catalyst. Ztar was the one who really performed the miracle.

"But there's more to it than just being there if your child is troubled, right? What about all the time in-between?"

"We'll have teachers for that. What we'd like you to be is someone outside our child's daily life – someone he will view as having a detached and impartial perspective and not tangled in the complexities of life as a royal, yet still acquainted enough with that to understand its burdens."

"I still don't think I'm your best choice, Ztar. I'm just…not…enough…" God, he was stammering, groping for the right words. "I'd love to be what you want to be, that's not it. I fear it won't turn out right. I'll be off on Earth or who knows where, never there when I'm needed. I just feel you need someone who lives on Sat'rey. The child won't reach out to someone he or she rarely sees and barely knows." Then Warren wondered. "You said he. Is the baby a boy?"

Ztar eased back and grabbed up his Dison. "We're letting that be a surprise. The doctors know, of course, but we've vowed them to secrecy. Do you realize how hard it is for me not to peek in their minds? It's a concerted effort to block myself from myself!" He chuckled.

Warren laughed as well, knowing from other telepaths what a challenge that can be at times. The laughter help shift the mood just enough that Warren relaxed about the vauntu topic. "Ztar, do this. Have an official soul vauntu – someone who's nearby. Then let me play a more unofficial role – kinda like the uncle who really isn't a blood relative."

The dark-brown eyes searched his. Despite the shared years, Warren wasn't certain what he was seeing in those orbs. Acceptance? Sadness? Disappointment? All of the above?

Finally, the man spoke. "Very well. While I understand your hesitations, I still believe you would be the perfect vauntu if only because once you take on a responsibility, you commit yourself to it. I would never have worried whether or not you were fulfilling your role." The smile that followed was of admiration and love. "I'd hoped, too, Archangel, that being vauntu would give you reason to visit and stay active in our lives."

A 150-watt light bulb went off. Perhaps this whole vauntu thing wasn't only for the child's sake. Suddenly, some very familiar warmings began in certain body regions. Was Ztar projecting? Warren snatched up his Dison and took a deep draw.

"It's settled then, yes?" The Turzent nodded. "Onto other subjects. Anything new on the imperial front? Etagllot? Mennisa? Mygra? Commonwealth?" Warren hoped if he threw enough potential topics out there, any amorous thoughts would be buried.

Food, drink, and conversation flowed for the next hour, but so did an undercurrent of sexual tension. When stress-induced fatigue starting catching up with him, Warren felt it time to depart the Emperor's company. "Time for me to head back to Tchutchka, Ztar. Ettwanae and the others wait."

"So soon?" Sincere disappointment filled Ztar's face.

Warren rose. "Afraid so. I have to make a quick stop in the lounge to say good-bye to Gragne, then I'll need a shuttle to return to the surface.

A less than happy expression floated across the face as Ztar sighed and rose. "If you must..."

"I do, Ztar." Sadness swept over Warren and he found himself not wanting to leave. Was he picking up on Ztar's emotions or was something at work? "I'll stay in touch, Ztar, I promise. We'll always be friends. And thank you for everything you are doing about this Tchut mess. I'm very grateful."

"I would do anything for you." Ztar's eyes were misty, but also full of that old look. Warren sensed Ztar trying to hold himself in check, but the sexual charge in the atmosphere only intensified. He shuddered as his body responded to the stimulus…hands grew clammy, heart sped up. Warren wondered again if Ztar was projecting either consciously or otherwise. 'Best make a hasty exit.'

"Gives my best to Jharda."

He started to the door, Ztar close behind. Suddenly, his PI chimed a message signal. "Who?" Grabbing the PI from its waist clip to retrieve the unexpected missive, he continued diligently toward the exit. Sweaty palms betrayed him and the PI slipped and he came to an abrupt halt as he juggled to recapture the device.

Ztar literally ran into him from behind, hands caught up in wings. Desire exploded in spontaneous combustion at the contact snatching Warren's breath and kicking his heart rate into overdrive. The empathic Turzent was quick to slide an arm around Warren's abdomen. Warren's PI dropped to the floor.

'O-o-oh, god!' He shuddered, closing his eyes against the flashover of scorching sexual heat Aru/Ura released. He was immobilized, unable to move any part of his anatomy. Until, that is, a tremor raced through Ztar and Warren's body responded with a will of its own to press itself into Ztar's groin.

/ Archangel. /

The single word slipped into his mind – his old name, the only name Ztar had ever called him – was heavy with longing. Another wave of craving engulfed him. 'Touch me. Touch me everywhere…god, please…' the needful part of Warren begged…the part that had endured the inability of him and Ettwanae to satisfy desire. He moaned in the want to meld with the man whose lifeforce was entwined with his own; who could take him to rapturous heights.

'No, Worthington! Remember Jharda. Ztar's not free. Pull away now before it's too late,' he commanded himself, but the need was too great. Only once in the past year had he been completely satisfied in bed – his recent visit to Sat'rey for the trial when he and Ztar sated their mutual lust for most of one glorious night. Intense memories of euphoric ecstasy seductively entwined themselves around and through him. Then conscious intruded sharply. 'Ettwanae! Remember her? She'll be devastated if she finds out. You care her, don't you? Prove it!' Scruples challenged aching need.

"Ztar, I- we- can't…" Warren stammered as urges that reached to his soul nearly stole his objection as a hand slid lower on his abdomen. Arousal heightened. Wings quivered.

Ztar nestled his head between a wing and Warren's ear. "Archangel…my beautiful Archangel." The whispered words were like warm honey on his neck. The Turzent hadn't referred to him as "my Archangel" since that amazing night. He imagined Ztar saying "my Jharda" instead. It was her place to be in Ztar's arms, not Warren's. She was carrying Ztar's child. He focused on that to rein in the wanton lust.

"Ztar, we're both spoken for. This…this can't happen." He tried to put conviction into his voice, but knew the telepathic empath likely saw through the protest. Warren hadn't the strength to disentangle their bodies...his wanted Ztar's too strongly.

/ It can. Jharda understands what is between us, / the man countered in sensual mental tones.

Skillful fingers made their way to a wing base and massaged as only Ztar knew how. Delicious licks of sexual fire ran straight from wing to groin and would have sent Warren to his knees if the powerful arm weren't encircling his waist. Warren moaned and trembled. 'S-shit! Can't do this.' Bliss washed over him again as Ztar continued his seductive stroking. 'Dear god, but I want to…'

Hanging on to images of Jharda and Ettwanae, Warren summoned his willpower. With a shaky hand, he grabbed the arm locked around his waist and pulled, but Ztar's superior strength prevented success. "Ettwanae does not. I can't do this to her."

The PI chimed from the floor.

In a quick move Warren didn't try to avoid, Ztar captured Warren's fingers in his. He was now completed ensnared by the Turzent, one arm pinned to his side, and the opposite hand held firmly by his former lover's, their bodies even more tightly together. Ztar's arousal pressed against where things were headed. It felt so right. A shaky groan escaped as Warren desperately fought the burning hunger that was so very close to overtaking him by firestorm.

Ztar ground against him. A kiss and a nip to the ear. Warren inhaled sharply. Lips brushing the nape of his neck sent shivers from head to toe. The room spun. 'God, help me…'

"You are Royal Court. It is your right to claim another bedmate. Claim me as I claim you." Ztar's invitation slid salaciously into his ear, breath hot on Warren's cheek.

Warren shuddered as body and soul grew increasingly desperate for the pleasures the Turzent could bestow. To feel the gifted hands run over him and titillate all the right places, to taste Ztar's mouth, to tremble in delight as fingers drew tantalizingly down through feathers. For Ztar to move within him, bring him to blinding orgasm, and then drown in the passionate energy they could conjure together. He ached for the man. Warren wanted Ztar. Warren needed Ztar. The man was part of him – part of his soul, his Ura. Two lifeforces bound together and that binding was demanding a joining. 'But Ura is more than that, Worthington,' he reminded himself. 'It is also free will. You have a choice, flyboy!'

"I- I can't," was all he could manage.

Ztar released Warren's hand and seductively glided it over his abdomen to Warren's groin, but stopped just short of the goal. Another needful groan escaped without consent. Breaths came in pants when he could breathe at all.

"You can. Claim the right of your position. Let me make you burn as only I can."

Warren leaned his head back into Ztar's broad chest. 'Aaagh! I want this. Do I allow myself the indiscretion?' Every fiber of his being wanted to say yes, but Ettwanae's beautiful face came to him. He latched onto the image like a drowning man. 'She trusts you, bastard. Can't betray her.' He imagined the soft touches of her fingertips, the deep blue of her eyes, the fullness of her breasts, her warm breath, and taste of her lips. She loved him and maybe he was close to loving her. Ztar couldn't happen.

Another chime from the floor.

Steeling himself in determination, he pulled away with all his strength. Surprisingly, Ztar let him go. 'Eavesdropping?' he wondered of the telepath.

Separation felt like a Velcro rip, leaving Warren dizzy. A couple deep breaths and he turned to lock eyes with the man he still desperately wanted atop and inside him. "I will not betray Ettwanae no matter how much I want to crawl into bed with you. I couldn't face her or myself if I did."

"It is not betrayal, Archangel. It is your right and moral prerogative. You are Royal Court. She should accept that as part of who you are. Just as Jharda understands my choice to be with you if opportunity presents itself."

With that, Ztar reached out more quickly than Warren believed the man could move and pulled him to the muscular chest. Arms enveloped him, one hand finding the sweet spot on a wing. The result was brilliant in its intensity. Warren grabbed the broad shoulders hard, and rested his forehead against the base of Ztar's neck and hung on, sucking in air as his body went from merely searing to molten. Arousal pressed against arousal. A moan bordering on whimpering echoed the tremors of his wings. Another massage of the erogenous zone and his feathered appendages spread wide of their own accord, inviting more of the same. If not for Ztar's firm embrace, Warren would be on the floor, weak legs unable to hold him.

"God, I want you!" he wished into the broad chest in a choked voice, never intending to verbalize the thought.

"I know you do. I feel your need. Let it happened, my Archangel."

Warren tightened his grip. He was desperate to take the Turzent's mouth in a savage kiss, to taste him again, entwine their tongues, nip lips… He shook his head. 'No, no, no!' he commanded himself firmly. Fighting with every bit of self-control he could muster, he managed to hold himself together, but the effort cost him physically and he trembled from head to toe to wing tip.

A chime sounded.

"P-please. I- I can't do this." Warren forced the words out and then risked upturning his face to plead into the brown eyes. "Don't make this harder, Ztar, I'm begging you."

The alien said nothing for many heartbeats, his eyes searching Warren's. He suspected Ztar was reading him empathically, maybe even telepathically. The lust burning hot in the dark eyes nearly broke his slim hold on determination. Finally, the ruler of the vast Turzent Empire and Warren's former captor and then magnificent lover became as straight as a rod, gently released him, and stepped back. Warren nearly collapsed on wobbly knees, but the distance between their bodies provided instant, albeit partial relief from the carnal urges.

"I will honor your wishes, Archangel of the Royal Court of Ztar," he began using Warren's formal title in a show of respect. "But know this. I have felt your desire. I know your unmet need. Why that should be the case if you share a love with Ettwanae, I do not understand. What I do understand all too well is what sexual barrenness can do to one's soul. Should you decide those needs must be sated, come to me. Let me give you what she apparently cannot. If she loves you, she will allow it for your sake."

He couldn't imagine that would be the case. Ztar's moral compass was different from Warren's, and likely Ettwanae's. Or was he wrong? He and Ettwanae hadn't discussed their views on monogamy. Would Ettwanae allow him an occasional romp in the hay with Ztar, at least until they could consummate their own relationship? Would Warren be as tolerant if Ettwanae asked the same of him? Questions without answers at the moment.

"Thank you for understanding, Ztar…and for the offer." He sighed in deep relief as the strength of desire continued to wane.

Chime.

Ztar's face went soft and he closed the distance between them. "I will love you, Archangel, until I no longer draw breath. I love Jharda, as well…deeply…and will always love her. She and I connect in ways you and I cannot. She is of my kind and we share the intimacy of racial bonds. What you and I share is unique – I know this without doubt. We are connected on a level I have no name for." Ztar reached out and brushed his hand across Warren's cheek as he'd done countless times. That simple caress sent new shockwaves through Warren. "You are in me…part of me. My love for you is a different love than I hold for Jharda, and does not diminish my feelings for her. I am blessed that she understands and accepts that. So you see, I am free to be with you. You only need to come to me when your need can no longer be denied."

Warren stood mute. The connection Ztar had no name for was Ura. He wanted to give Ztar the word and tell him about their bond, but to what end? He and Ettwanae were searching for a way to break that very bond without killing the Empire's ruler. Warren decided it was best Ztar not know.

As he studied the handsome face, Warren felt compelled to be forthright with Ztar about Ettwanae as Ztar had been about Jharda. "I care very much for the man standing before me and I love him as a friend and long-time companion, but my feelings for Ettwanae grow stronger each day. As with you, that doesn't not change how I feel you, but what is between us must now take a back seat to the women in our lives. They deserve our faithfulness."

Ztar shook his head. "What we could give to one other does not diminish or negate faithfulness to our mates, Archangel. My heart remains true to Jharda and yours with Ettwanae. This is separate from those relationships – what we share satisfies needs they cannot. Isn't it far better for us to be together occasionally, to be fully satisfied and whole, than for you and I to abstain and live with a hole in our souls? How does that make us better mates for the women we love?"

The conversation was helping, further steadying Warren. Ztar was voicing an argument that boiled down to a difference in moral code. Turzent culture generally saw nothing wrong in taking a companion in addition to a spouse. Warren's moral code said that was cheating. No amount of arguing would change their respective beliefs.

Double chime.

Brushing a stray hair from Ztar's face, Warren smiled at the man that he had spent six years looking up at. "We have different moral perspectives, Ztar. We must remember to respect that in each other. And you're right – we're connected somehow. I feel it as well. As for the sex…well, all I can say is Jharda is one lucky woman," he finished with a mischievous grin.

Ztar chuckled and surprised Warren with a chaste kiss to the forehead. "As is your Ettwanae."

Warren cringed internally. 'Maybe, if me and Ettwanae could actually have sex!' he thought harshly, then wondered if the telepath had picked up the errant retort. A quick look to the man's eyes revealed nothing.

"Where are you headed next? Violating any more of my restricted areas?" the Emperor questioned, the corner of his mouth upturning in a lopsided smirk.

Warren chuckled while hoping his next slight alteration of the truth would hold up against the empath. Volu had suggested a planet for their last resupply before leaving the Empire, and that was Warren's out for the question he knew Ztar would ask. Once at the edge of Imperial space, then Warren would comm Ztar about their true destination, but not while standing within arm's reach of the man. It was within the realm of possibility the man would forcibly detain him out of fear. "Remember that lead I mentioned earlier? It's taking us to Ayni."

Ztar thought for a moment. "Isn't that a colony planet? Near the edge of the Empire?"

Warren nodded. Time to divert focus quickly. "And according to the comnet, it's a quite pleasant planet. Ettwanae and I are looking forward to stretching our wings. Tchut's winds are hellish – and, well, you know me. Need to get my airtime!"

A frown of worry moved over the Turzent face. "That is some distance from here – you will need to stop in between, Archangel. If your need is already growing…"

Ztar looked like a concerned parent, bringing a smile to Warren. "Yes, Dad. We'll stop in between," he teased, which erased the frown and got a chuckle from Ztar. "Good idea to start acting like a father, though. Keep practicing!"

A twinkle danced in Ztar's eyes. "Archangel, my feelings toward you are decidedly not fatherly!"

###

As Ztar watched Archangel scoop up his chiming PI and leave, he couldn't suppress the double-edged disappointment. He had hoped for intimate time with his former companion, but Archangel denied them both those pleasures. He had hoped Archangel would trust him enough to share the astonishing event on Neu, but the man had not. Ztar could not admit to knowing of that without giving his betrayal away. Perhaps in time, Archangel would confide in him.

Gtar-Cro's transmission of the spectacle on Neu was burned into Ztar's mind. He recognized the energy released on the mountainside…it was the same golden light Archangel manifested on Fjai, only many times more intense. And the recording clearly showed the black fortress being disintegrated by that light. Shock and awe – that was his reaction upon viewing the display of power. The usually unemotional Gtar-Cro admitted the same response. His Esserru, his Archangel, had remained standing amid total annihilation. And next to him on the mountainside stood a female Esserru, as beautiful and majestic as Archangel.

A myriad of questions swirled around Archangel. Who were the mysterious occupants of the fortress? Why were they on Neu? What did they have to do with Archangel's quest? Why were they destroyed? Who was behind the attack on Tchutchka? Was it the Etagllot or a new menace? And who saved Archangel from those gunmen?

Brief thoughts had crossed his mind that the female Esserru might be responsible for the death of the men in the alley, but extensive research had uncovered no reference to the beings possessing telekinesis or even telepathy. Besides, the species were healers and teachers, not killers. No, he was convinced; someone else had stopped Archangel's attackers. But who and why?

The puzzle seemed to grow at every turn. What of the other cloaked ship? Who was behind the seeming attempts to manipulate the future of his Empire? How were they connected to the Esserru/Eshaaru? Was it the Etagllot or another force? If another force, why the attempt to kidnap Archangel from Earth?

Why did everything seem to link back in some way to his former companion?

Ztar shook his head in both frustration and an odd admiration. Wherever the Human went, mystery and trouble followed. "My Archangel, what am I to do about you?"

###

A/N: Did you believe Warren would give in to Ztar or manage to remain faithful to Ettwanae? Are you pleased with his decision? And I hope you enjoyed the return of Elite Guard Gragne. I have a soft spot in my heart for the man who was steadfastly at Warren's side during several keys events in the last two books. And I've expanded a character from Circle Complete, Abmirzarcz (Ab for short) – he's straight man and foil to Gragne's comical side. We'll see more of them next chapter.

Soulbound is beginning to wrap up. Looks like we have another three to four chapters, depending on how I merge or break apart the rest of the book. No, the adventure does not end with the completion of this book. Far too many unanswered questions, mysteries, and journeys remain. But we will conclude one storyline first.

Before we get to the end of Soulbound, though, two rapid-fire tribulations will blindside Warren. Poor guy, he just can't seem to get a break!