Chapter 26 (Shaal Mayan)
Tossed into a dark room with Delenn, Shaal Mayan vomited at the shocking treatment and execution of the children. Delenn moved slowly in an attempt to comfort her, but Shaal was unable to hold back the grief that exploded in the form of tears.
"The wretched humans. How could they do such a thing to defenseless women and children?"
"I know, Shaal. They have really fallen from grace. I think we've inadvertently changed this people into a race of monsters. What confuses me is why we've been spared." Delenn said as she glanced around the dark room.
Delenn had a very good point. Why have the humans spared our lives? Shaal thought. It didn't make any sense at all.
Suddenly the doors opened and a group of humans stormed in. Shaal struggled as the guards grabbed her and Delenn and tied them up to two slanted tables in the middle of the room. Once tied and unable to move, the group of humans left, except for one man.
"So, Delenn, we meet again." The human with a patch on his eye waltzed over to Delenn and glared at her. His eyes examined her body and he suddenly touched her hand.
Delenn jerked back and shouted obscene words in Minbari, which the human didn't understand. But then switched over to English.
"You humans are animals. How could you do such a thing?" Delenn shouted.
"I did nothing…yet. That was my boss, Elvis," the human said sneeringly. "You're very lucky. I saved you." The human acted very strange and Shaal was unfamiliar with his body language.
But she had to say something. "Why have you spared us? Why not let us die?"
Then something changed in this human. He moved away from Delenn and stared directly at her. Shaal felt his burning glare pierce into her soul, like an intruder. His face had some strange perverseness to it. Then suddenly it dawned on her. That glare, the way he leaned on the table. She couldn't be sure, but this human might rape her.
The seconds began to drag on and the human got closer. Then he touched her face. Not to hit or maim, just to touch, caress. He stroked her cheek, mouth and bald head; he seemed mesmerized by the entire feel of her skin. His touch dirtied her skin and she shivered with every intrusive touch.
"Please, what are you doing?" she begged.
Then the unthinkable happened, the most savage act that could fall on a Minbari female. The dirty human touched her breast. The sharp sensation cut through her mind like a knife. Only a male Minbari, with marriage vow, could perform such a ritual. Shaal was single, unmarried and completely powerless. She couldn't believe what fate had planned before her.
Then someone interrupted the horrid moment. "Zack. Can I see you for a moment?"
"Okay, Garibaldi." Zack said, taking a perverted inhalation of her aroma and then leaving the room, just outside of earshot.
Shaal couldn't make out the words, but it seemed like a heated discussion. Then Delenn murmured something. "I'm sorry, Shaal. I'm sorry for the trouble I caused."
"No Delenn. It was me that got you into this mess." Shaal fought to contain her emotions. "You had nothing to do with this. In Valen's name, how are we going to survive this? What does this human intend to do?"
"Don't worry Shaal. I'll accept this human's advances. I will protect you."
"Delenn, no, you mustn't."
"Shaal, you're a poet and inspiration of our people, this human cannot taint your soul."
"But…" She was cut short when the human, Zack returned. The door slammed shut and he stared at Shaal with such desire it made her shiver.
He strolled up to her and muttered something into her ear. "Now, where were we?" Suddenly Shaal felt his hand on her skirt. The very touch sent static up her spine and although it was protected by cloth, she could feel the sweat on his hands soak past the fabric and pollute her skin… Shaal yelped loud when his hand touched her leg. Direct contact. She panicked and struggled. But being tied to the table, she could not move. His hand wandered higher, and then it touched the most sacred spot on her body. Shaal lost all control and cried violently. Her mind crashed and she felt her blood build up around her cheeks.
"Umm, the Minbari don't wear any underwear!"
Shaal scarcely made out the sly smile on the human's face and there was only one thing left she could do. Shaal spat in the human's face. But the human didn't get angry. Didn't slap her. He did the most unexpected thing; he licked the fluid from his face.
"Ummm, petal, you taste sweet. I am going to savor your taste. I've always wondered what it would be like to do a Minbari. " His chilling voice drilled into her mind. This was going to be the most devastating moment of her life.
"Stop human!" Delenn shouted. Her slight pause indicated to Shaal that she began to regret the decision she had to take. "I will let you mate with me. Please leave my friend alone, she's no use to you."
Shaal looked up in horror as Delenn offered herself to this animal. He removed his hands and slowly walked over to Delenn. She panicked and appeared to regret her decision, but it was too late. The human leaned over Delenn and spoke, his deep voice echoed around the room.
"Delenn, I like your devotion to your friend. However, I'm not interested in you. But I feel something towards your friend, a strong desire that I can't resist. I'll let you live, so you can watch. I know she's your friend." Zack said gamely.
Shaal heart filled with dread. How did he know her name and connection with Delenn? What was he going to do? Then his eye turned towards her. His smile carved an evil crevice on his face. His eye-patch seemed more menacing as he leaned on her friend.
Somehow Shaal knew that she was in trouble, a feeling that swelled up deep within her soul. She turned away and waited as she heard the sound of footsteps approach. She winced, letting out a quiet moan, as the smell of the human grew ever so closer. It was stuffy and strange smell. She'd never been close to a human before and this sensation was just the beginning of her terror.
"Shaaaaaal!" he ejaculated. "I'll enjoy every moment of you, now, later, tomorrow and the day after. I'll relish every essence that you have to offer." Zack sniffed at her neck and geared up to unzip is trousers.
Shaal could feel his body pressed tight on hers, his hard chest, heavy breathing; even the frantic beating of his heart caused a stifling cloud of heat that shrouded them. She didn't want to get raped and she fought with all her might. She would not give in. But the more she moved, the more his body pressed upon her fragile frame.
She could not think anymore, the only thing she could do was struggle. But Shaal knew that every movement only invited and excited the human.
She flinched violently as he entered her.