ROMULUS (The Innerworld Affairs Series, Book 1) (30 page)

Cherry's desire shot into high gear as much from Thor's eating kisses as Apollo's words. But what was making her panties damp was the thought of being sandwiched between the two of them without the obstacle of so many clothes.

"Ah hell," she muttered. "What good is it to be in an alien world and not take advantage of
everything
it has to offer?" She slid one hand between her and Thor's bodies and the other between her and Apollo. Her fingers closed over the two cocks teasing her into anticipation.

"Okay boys, I'm ready for you to teach me how to be a real Innerworlder."

Part II

Outerworld

Chapter 17

Early Friday morning, Aster and Rom were awakened by a call from Tarla. When Rom disconnected, he was frowning. "I promised not to leave you alone but Governor Elissa needs to meet with me as soon as possible."

"The governor?" Aster sat up straighter and spoke sternly. "Romulus Locke, that was a silly promise you made about never leaving my side, so it doesn't count. I love you more than I dreamed possible but if you don't stop hovering over me, I am going to scream. You have responsibilities that are not going to disappear because you want to play doctor. Please go to work."

Rom laughed and gave her a soft kiss. "Okay, I can take a hint. You know, shalla, if we were joined, I could leave you and take you with me at the same time." He never missed an opportunity to chip away at her resistance.

"If we were joined, you wouldn't have a job at all."

Relieved to have a day to herself again, Aster began making preparations to put an end to Rom's over-solicitous behavior. She was feeling better. Even the fever had gone away for days due to the effects of the light. But the symptoms had returned this morning. She hoped Rom would relieve her but she was concerned he might resist. His new medication worked too well. He had not made love to her all week.

* * *

"Governor Elissa, Professor Schontivian, sorry you had to wait. I gather Operation Palomar is at a head."

"I'm afraid so," the governor said. "Before we commence, however, I apologize for calling you in from your leave but I was assured your friend was doing quite well after her tragic ordeal. I am looking forward to meeting the young woman who captured the heart of one of Innerworld's finest."

"Aster's looking forward to meeting you, also, Governor."

Elissa smiled briefly then became serious. "As you recommended, Warden Zenton received a commendation for his insight and has been given the power of veto over any of the Rehabilitation Board's decisions in the future. It seems we were not prepared to deal with such a devious personality. Mind you, I still have great faith in the Terran people as a race.

"As to today's business, Emissary K66 and his mate were found. They were killed in an automobile accident. It is believed their identification was stolen after the accident and none of the Outerworld officials could determine who they were. Yesterday our tracker finally found them stored in a morgue. There was nothing that could be done for them after so much time had elapsed. It has been confirmed that K66's assignment was never begun.

"We are now three weeks to the situation becoming critical. We no longer have the option of subterfuge. The most expedient course would be to approach a reputable Outerworld scientist and offer the information the Terrans need to prevent the planetoid's collision with Earth and to increase the speed of their ships.

"We do not have another emissary already in place where he or she could be effective without destroying his or her cover and there is no time for a new infiltration. Evacuation of our entire population is out of the question. I don't need to tell you how much Norona depends on this planet's volterrin. We must prevent its destruction.

"The person needed for this mission would have to have a considerable scientific background to be accepted as credible and able to answer any questions that might arise. Because of the delicacy of the situation, this person would also need to be an accomplished diplomat. I have chosen the United States as the most logical destination for our emissary.

"Romulus, I cannot order you to accept this assignment but you are the most qualified person I know of for this job. No other individual with the right background is as familiar with Outerworld."

Without hesitation, Romulus accepted. "Any ideas on how I convince this Outerworld scientist that I'm on the level?"

"This was a difficult decision for me to make. Unless you have a better idea, I suggest you take Aster with you to attest to our existence. She has an outstanding reputation in certain scientific communities. And by now, the Terrans have probably verified the mysterious circumstances surrounding her disappearance. She might also be able to help smooth over any difficulties you encounter while there. You may have studied Outerworld but she truly knows it. Because of your relationship, I have assumed there is no other Terran you would prefer to take. I will trust your judgment where she is concerned. Could she do this, or more to the point, would she do this, for us?"

Rom did not like the idea of being separated from Aster but had agreed to the mission because of his sense of duty. Taking her with him on a possibly dangerous assignment concerned him even more. He realized part of his worry stemmed from the remote possibility that she might not want to return with him once she was home. His emotional side argued that she loved him and her new life enough to return, and yet...

"Elissa, I should tell you, Aster and I are burning for each other. I have no idea how or why it happened but she is my shalla. I know it is prohibited but if you would grant us special permission, we could be joined before we leave. The mind link could be helpful if we had any problems."

"And it would also ensure that she would come back with you, wouldn't it? No, Romulus, even if I was willing, the Tribunal would have to approve such a unique joining and I seriously doubt they would, even under the circumstances. We can't wait to find out either. Also, you have no idea what the mind link would do to Aster. She would be of no help at all if she was spending all her time trying to sort out your thoughts, hers and outside voices. There's too much at stake to take such a chance. As to her returning to us, depend on her fever. It affects women as strongly as men, although I never heard of it happening to a Terran."

"You're right, of course. I'll speak to her tonight. I'm sure she'll agree. When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow." Elissa placed her hand over Rom's. "I realize the timing could not be worse for the two of you."

"I understand. Perhaps the professor and I should begin working on what information I'm to present and to whom."

Although a shy, awkward man in social circumstances, when discussing his chosen field, Professor Schontivian's expressionless face and squinty eyes became relatively animated. He unrolled a large chart of the Earth's solar system and pointed to the various planets and areas as he spoke.

Except for one short break to let Aster know how late he would be, the cramming session went on for most of the day. By the time Schontivian departed, Rom's eyes ached and his neck was stiff with tension. Usually, he thrived on stress but since Aster came into his life, it did not give him the same thrill of accomplishment. He just wanted to go home.

He was clearing his desk when he spotted a letter from his father. It was not very long, but long enough.

Son,

A very uncomplimentary report was received by the Tribunal regarding your relationship with a Terran female, implying that her influence has severely impaired your judgment and competency. My "informant" said you should expect a summons to return to Norona in the near future. The governorship could be at stake.

Also, your mother has insisted that I add, if there is someone in your life, you must bring her home as well. Do not do anything rash. You know how she gets when she's worried about you.

Love, Father

Rom put the note in his pocket and headed home.

He found Aster sitting by the pond in the back yard and sat down beside her. Without saying a word, he pulled her into his arms. Aster instinctively sensed his tension.

"Please don't be angry with me for being up. I could not stand another minute in that bed," she said as she sat up and looked into his eyes, trying to see the source of his anxiety. "You look so tired, shallar. Can you tell me about it? Or maybe you would like something to eat and then relax in the whirlpool." It was her turn to worry about him.

"Yes, to all of the above. I have a lot to tell you and I can't eat or relax until that's out of the way." He summarized the morning's meeting and the governor's request for Aster's participation.

"It doesn't surprise me in the least that you would be called upon to save the world. If the governor hadn't suggested I accompany you, I would have stowed away in your luggage. You may be book smart about Earth but I'm familiar with the real thing. I might be of some help." Suddenly her eyes opened wide with awareness. "My heavens. I'm really going back."

Rom could see the light bulbs flashing on in her head. "I know you're not going to like this but I don't want you to misunderstand. You still can't reveal anything you've learned here. There is a specific amount of information we are to pass on and that's it."

"You're right, I don't like it." She carefully worded her next sentence. "But I swear I will not give away any of your secrets." Her own secrets were another matter entirely.

"You are so incredible," Rom murmured, holding her tightly and stroking her hair before moving away from her. "As if that weren't enough, I got a letter from my father today. You may as well read it yourself, if you promise not to say
I told you so
." Rom handed her the paper.

Sadness took possession of her as she read it. Perhaps now Rom would realize they could never join.

He rubbed his tired eyes. "I had assumed that if I wanted you, they would accept you. How could anyone not love you once they met you?"

Aster gave Rom a quick kiss. "I still love you, if that helps any. Now, unless you have some other bomb to drop on me, we have a lot to do tonight." All her organizational skills surged to life. "Outerworld doesn't have supply stations with disposable clothing, so we'll have to pack a few things. Also, we'll need money, just in case something goes wrong."

"Whoa! You sound like a little general heading into battle. Everything we need will be provided before we leave. I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed if this turns out to be as simple as I expect. I intend to be out and back in one day, so there's no need to pack anything."

"Who are you kidding? There is absolutely no way that you and I are going to pop in, out of the blue, talking about Innerworld and a coming disaster, and have it turn out to be
simple
. C'mon." She pulled his arm to get him up. "Let's get you some food while you tell me how we're going to do this."

While she ordered a meal for him, he started preparing her. "I wrote down some basic information that you'll need to memorize, as you said, just in case. We'll be going to the Palomar Observatory outside of Escondido, California. Apparently, it's the most likely place where someone might have sighted the planetoid, but that doesn't ensure that they picked up the planetoid's shift. I understand the air and light pollution in the area occasionally cause distorted or incorrect readings. Have you been there?"