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  She chuckled to herself as she got ready to interface with the jits on station. Since she was the one with the codes—and the authority as a CSS officer—they'd decided she'd be the better voice of command and negotiation in this situation.

  Once they were sure Alex and his men, as well as the station police forces, were in position, she opened a channel directly to the command and control of the station. She hacked in through their backsystems to prove to them she meant business.

  "This is Colonel Adele Senna of the Civilian Station Service. You have two minutes to surrender or suffer the consequences." She was able to bring up a visual of the command center and nearly chuckled at the scrambling jit'suku who couldn't figure how she'd hacked into their supposedly secure comms. "You should know that we've captured your ship and have taken prisoners."

  That got their attention, she saw from her stolen vid feed. A moment later, the jit commander opened a channel to her, so they could see each other. The man was a hardened warrior with a stone face, but if she was any judge, he looked more than a little agitated at the moment. "You surprise me, woman." "That's Colonel Senna, to you," she was quick to correct, politely, but firmly. The jit commander inclined his head slightly, but never broke

  contact with her eyes. "From where I sit, you are in no position to demand my surrender, Colonel," he emphasized the title with disdain. "In fact, I demand your immediate surrender and the release of my crewmembers."

  Adele shook her head and laughed softly. "Nice try, but no deal. For one thing, we're targeting your mech section."

  "You wouldn't disable the station. There are too many people here for you to risk it."

  Her expression hardened. "Try me." They stared each other down for a moment. "But you should probably know you're totally outnumbered. Remember those station police you locked up?" She saw the man pale, just slightly. "Yeah, we found them. They've got you surrounded even as we speak. If you don't surrender in," she checked the chronometer, "twenty-six seconds, they'll open fire on your forces. I assure you, they are up to the task, and royally pissed off." One of the men behind the jit commander bent to whisper in his ear. "So what'll it be?"

  The jit commander sat silent as rifle fire sounded on his side of the connection. She saw him dive out of the command chair as fighting broke out inside the command area. Adele watched the vid feed as Alex and his team stormed the control center, moving faster than the human eye could follow. Before she knew it, the jit commander was facing her once more, this time with a laser rifle aimed at his head.

  Dave touched her arm to get her attention. She muted her end of the channel so they could speak freely.

  "Don't leave a record of Alex's involvement. Don't call him by name and don't record him or any of his men."

  Slowly, she nodded. More was going on here than a couple of retirees helping a station in need.

  "I understand, but after this is all over, you are going to tell me what's up with them. And you. Don't think I haven't noticed your superior abilities, David. You can do things no normal man can."

  He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it gallantly. "I'll tell you what I can, but there's a lot about me—and Alex and the guys—that's classified."

  "Okay," she turned back to the screen, "I get it. I'll do what I can to keep their involvement off the record." "Thanks, Adele. I wouldn't have asked if it wasn't important." She met his gaze, sensing the seriousness of his words. She could do this. As a CSS officer, she understood need-to-know situations and secret ops. Thinking fast, she reopened the channel.

  "I, Adele Senna, am hereby taking command of Madhatter Station under my authority as a colonel in the Civilian Station Service. Station police are hereby ordered to secure all hostile parties in the station brigs until such time as the rightful command chain can be reestablished and proper judicial due process reinstated." She recorded her side of the comm for the official record and patched it through to the station speaker system so everyone could hear it. Everyone who was awake, that is.

  Many of the station inhabitants were still suffering under the effects of the sleep gas and would be out for another day or two without medical attention. She gave orders for medical personnel to be resuscitated first. They could organize waking up the rest of the populace. In the meantime, station police were rapidly filling the brigs as small firefights erupted here and there throughout the infrastructure.

  "I think that's about all I can do from here." Adele turned to David, who watched her with an admiring gleam in his eyes.

  "If I haven't said it before, I'll say it now. You are one hell of a woman, Adele Senna." The very real appreciation she read in his devilish grin warmed her from within. "You handled that like a pro, sweetheart."

  She shrugged. "Well, that's what I am." Throwing down the command stylus, she turned to face him fully. "Or at least, I was." "So what happened? What brought you here?" "I was passed over for promotion." She shrugged, trying to be nonchalant about one of the most hurtful episodes in her life to date. "Jeffrey was a co-worker, and my lover. Turned out while I was thinking long-term, he was all about the moment and climbing the promotion ladder—right over my foolish back. I still have the footprints on my ass to prove it, too." She tried not to be bitter, but it came out anyway.

  "The bastard." David reached for her, dragging her out of the chair and onto his lap. "He didn't deserve you, Adele. You're a born leader. The command should have been yours. Not what's-his-name's. Forget him."

  She chuckled, looping her hands around his neck. "I think I already have. The moment I laid eyes on you, colonel, I knew Jeff couldn't hold a candle to you." David grinned. "I like the sound of that." "Come to think of it," she tilted her head to the side, watching him closely, "few men could compete with your super-human abilities." She felt him tense under her. "Can you tell me about it, David? I've never seen anyone move the way you and those other soldiers can. It's definitely not normal."

  He rested his forehead against hers. "I can't tell you much, but you've alreadyseen some of what we can do. We were all spec ops—part of a special, even more secret program. We volunteered for…changes…to be made to us on a cellular level. It's given us some pretty amazing abilities, but it does have its drawbacks." She felt him tense up even further. "What kind of drawbacks?" "For one thing," he tried to shrug, but it was unconvincing, "it made me sterile. I didn't think it was such a big sacrifice at the time. I mean, I have brothers and sisters who are non-military. Some of them have kids already. I figured I didn't really need to worry about it, but now that I'm older, I realize my decision was potentially unfair to any woman I might get involved with."

  "Well," she stroked the nape of his neck with her fingers, "speaking as a woman who you got involved with," she chuckled, "it doesn't make you less attractive on any level, David. Don't worry that some foolish woman will reject you over it. If one does, she wasn't worthy of you in the first place." Her own vehemence surprised her, as did the possessive feelings stirring in her heart.

  She was afraid she'd revealed too much, but the light in David's eyes reassured her. He squeezed her waist, his lips covering hers for a tender salute.

  "You're a wonder to me, Adele. I never thought I'd ever meet a woman like you and now suddenly, here you are."

  "It's fate, David. Seeing things the way I do…" she hesitated, having never really talked about her abilities outside her own small family. "Well, it gives me an appreciation for the hand that fate plays in our lives. Of course, not everything is pre-destined. Human will plays a large part. But I know the path that led me to The Rabbit Hole—and to you— was my own good fortune." She stroked his spiky hair.

  "So you're saying you're okay with the fact that I'm a little different?" He seemed to want to make sure of something, his eyes intensely studying her response. "David, you don't mind about my gift. Do you?" "How could I? It just saved our asses." He chuckled, then grew more serious. "It's part of who you are, Adele. I can see that. And I like you just the way you are."
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br />   She smiled broadly. "Then you have your answer." Leaning in, she kissed him with all the pent up desire in her heart, rubbing against his hard body in a way that made her breath catch in her throat. David's broad palms skimmed over her, shooting her temperature higher. Then the comm chimed. Time to go to work. They had a station to secure and a few thousand

  civilians depending on them to do it. "We'll pick this up later," David promised as he helped her stand. Her knees were a little wobbly, but the promise in David's shining eyes steadied her…and made her impatient to get the work done. So she could play some more with her beloved soldier.

  Chapter Twelve

  Dave got the four jit prisoners linked up with force cuffs. Only their feet were left mobile so he could walk them off the ship and to the waiting station police. They cooperated since they knew there was no way to escape. There were two younger men who wore high quality gear and carried themselves a bit differently than your average jit pirate. The other two were older and had the look of personal guards. One of the younger men looked to be in his early twenties, and the other might've been in his late twenties or early thirties. The younger of the two stopped in front of David, curiosity on his angular face.

  "Are all human women like yours?" His dark eyes glanced to Adele and back, curiosity written plainly in his expression as the other jits stood behind him, almost protectively.

  "Many human women are courageous, intelligent and sexy as hell, but I will admit, my Adele is a cut above the rest."

  "That is your heart talking," the oldest of the prisoners said with a hearty smile. "Though I admit I have seen few human females with this one's qualities. She is something else again."

  "That she is." Dave knew he was smiling like a besotted fool when Adele finished her comm and came to stand next to him, but he couldn't help himself. Her eyes clouded for a moment and she swayed. Dave recognized the signs of a vision this time. He put out a hand to steady her.

  She regained her balance and not a moment later, she walked right up to the youngest jit prisoner and frowned at him. "You should not be here, your majesty." Gasps sounded from all the men as Dave's eyes narrowed. "I go where I wish." "You tempt fate, and she is not happy with you." Adele's beautiful face was stern, but a moment later she smiled. "Still, perhaps you've learned something from this adventure, but I recommend against such exploits from this point on. You'll one day have an entire galaxy depending on you." "How do you know this?" One of the older men demanded. "She has the ability to see the future." Dave stood behind her, his

  expression daring these men to try anything against his woman. The jit prisoners surprised Dave by taking his words very seriously indeed. They looked at Adele with even greater respect and the older men bowed their heads, though their eyes never left her face—a mark of respect among jit'suku warriors.

  "What do you see, Lady?" the young man asked in almost hushed tones.

  Adele smiled. "You'd be surprised." She touched his shoulder, almost protectively. "I'll tell you this though. If you stay safe and continue on your present course, with no more adventures in our galaxy, you'll be the one to end the war. You'll be known as the Peacemaker, in the fullness of time. And your wife…" Her eyes seemed faraway as if she were looking at something only she could see. "Your empress will be a very special woman." Her gaze refocused on the young man. "She'll be human…but not. Pay attention to the man from the Pyramid when he crosses your path. He and his brothers will be the key." "Lady, you speak in riddles." Adele smiled. "When these things come to pass, you'll understand and hopefully note their significance. That's my purpose. To make you aware. But you must live your life and gain from your experiences. Just please don't take quite so many chances in future. The perils are great, and if you come back to this galaxy uninvited again, you'll pay the consequences." "Then you won't turn me in this time?" "Speaking for myself, I won't reveal your identity. In fact, because you didn't invade the station itself, but rather remained behind on the ship, chances are, there will be no charges levied against you four. They'll probably escort you to your side of the border and let you go." "Is this true?" one of the older men demanded of Dave. "Adele is a highly ranked CSS officer. She knows their procedures

  better than I do." "And what about you, sir? Will you divulge my identity? Knowing it would probably spell my death?"

  The young man's steadfast gaze impressed Dave. Here stood a man with deep honor and courage. And if Adele was to be believed, he would one day be the jit'suku emperor.

  "You're just a kid," Dave said off-handedly. "I don't know who you are beyond that." Dave leaned down to look the younger man in the eye. "I trust Adele. If she says you're the one to bring peace between our people, then I'll give you every chance to do it." "Yet you are a soldier." Dave nodded. "I've been fighting on the rim for twenty years. I've had my fill of war. And we're too well matched. This'll go on forever if we don't come to some kind of truce at some point. I'm hoping you'll be the man to do it. If so, God speed, Emperor." The young man shifted uncomfortably. "I'm not emperor yet." Adele smiled softly. "But you will be. I hope you'll remember us then. I hope you'll know there are many humans who would welcome peace with your people."

  The boy looked skeptical, but held his tongue. After a moment, he bowed. "I thank you for your counsel. What are your names?"

  Adele laughed, apparently caught by surprise. "I'm Adele Senna and this is Colonel David Hellerby."

  The man nodded. "You have my thanks." They moved down the corridor to the ramp before he spoke again. "Are you not mates?"

  David chuckled as they walked. "We only met yesterday, but I have every intention of keeping Adele with me for the rest of our lives. If she'll have me." She gasped and looked at him with an expression of joyous surprise that boded well for his chances.

  The other men shook their heads and grinned. "It's easy to see you are destined mates," the oldest one said with a twinkle in his eye. "Congratulations." * * * * After they'd handed their prisoners over to station police, Adele and David reported to the command area to find the CSS officers had been revived and were quickly regaining control over all station systems. Adele signed off on the logs, turning command of the station back to its rightful leaders. They had things well in hand when Dave suggested he and Adele seek out The Rabbit Hole to check in with Alex and the men.

  Aside from a short comm assuring Adele that her Aunt Della was fine, the spec ops warriors from the bar had faded away once order was restored. Only the young soldier, Timothy, stayed with the station cops, being lauded for his role in freeing the men who now processed the jit'suku prisoners for trial and most for eventual deportation.

  Only the ringleaders, those who had killed or committed other crimes during the attack, and those with previous warrants would be detained, since there was little loss of life on the station. The rest of the crew would probably be sent back to their own galaxy after an initial holding period while the evidence was sorted.

  Timothy was the hero of the action and both Dave and Adele were happy to see the pride on the young man's face as he was thanked and congratulated by the station commander. Officially, Adele, Dave and Timothy were going to be credited with assisting the station police in repulsing the jit invaders. Dave had cautioned Tim and Adele not to mention Alex or the other men and they seemed to understand Alex and his team were something that needed to remain secret.

  When Dave and Adele walked into the bar, they were greeted with raised glasses and cheerful words. Adele's aunt rushed over and hugged them both. "Thank you, David, for protecting my niece." "My pleasure, ma'am. And she did more than her share. Without her command codes, the job would have been much more difficult." He couldn't help the pride that crept into his voice.

  "Congratulations to you both," Della said with a tear in her eye. "You are going to be so happy on Earth, sweetie." She hugged her niece while Dave was caught a bit short. "You saw us on Earth?" Della nodded vigorously. "On a lovely parcel of land in the Middle

  of North A
merica. With a beautiful family of your own." "Family?" Dave croaked. "Yes, my dear nephew." Della took his hand in both of hers and stroked the back comfortingly. Her voice dropped even lower as her next words floored him. "They were wrong when they said you could never be a father. You will be, David. Several times over. With my Adi." Tears filled the older woman's eyes when she looked up at him. Her smile was almost angelic. "Earth?" Adele asked. Dave focused on her, unable to deal with the revelation that he

  would be a father just yet. "I was born on Earth. I've always wanted to go back and homestead near my siblings. I was working my way back slowly. Eventually, I want to live on the homeworld and…" he looked at Della who was beaming and nodding, "…raise a family. With you. If you'll have me."

  "Oh, David!" Adele's reaction touched his heart. Her eyes reflected her joy—the same joy in his own heart. "I'll never let you go, you silly man. I love you!"

  She hugged him, wrapping him tight in her arms as the men at the bar watched with envious smiles. Dave could see his comrades over the top of Adele's head. He was glad his brothers in arms were there to witness his happiness, but he knew he was home now. Truly. Adele was his home. Now and forever.

  Epilogue

  Adele and Dave were married quietly a few weeks later on Jupiter Prime Station, where she'd been born. A number of David's family came and they had an impromptu family reunion. Plans were made for David to apply for a homesteading license and by the following year they'd been granted permission to live on Earth.

  A gift awaited them in their new home when they finally moved in. The message was oblique but they knew it had come from the young jit'suku man they'd let go. The future emperor.

  He gave them a costly piece of crystal statuary from the jit galaxy that was worth a king's ransom on Earth. It also held a princely secret—a cache of gemstones and a seal of the Imperial House that identified Adele and David, and all their progeny, as those to whom the jit'suku emperor owed a personal debt. The multi-colored gemstones were a nest egg, the message said, to help get them started on their life together.