The Sarrans Return

Chapter 1-2

The WarriorPair decided to shower separately or they would never leave the cabin on time. Mark ate the hot breakfast that was waiting for him, overwhelmed at his Beloved’s thoughtfulness. While Juraens showered, Mark made coffee. They had fabricated the coffee pot TeBron had fixed for Syn to operate on Sarran current and Mark got Syn’s recipe. The smell of fresh coffee permeated the High Lord’s Quarters.

Both Mark and Juraens expected to be billeted in regular officer quarters but TeBron and TeZaron told them that it was an open secret that they would be on the Council once they find their fem, so they were given Hi-Lords’ Quarters. Syn, as a surprise, designed a new decorating scheme using their house colors, green and gold.

Mark and Juraens arrived for Mark’s meeting with General John Robert Morgan precisely at nine. They met in an anteroom off the council’s chambers. Morgan wasn’t in uniform. Juraens noticed that he didn’t look happy to see him accompanying Mark. Juraens inclined his head and presented the documents from the Elder Council that appointed him and his bonded as the official representatives of the Sarran Elder Council and therefore authorized to negotiate a trade agreement with the United Nations. The documents also appointed Commanders Saxon and Lucas to act as the ambassadors at large for this voyage, accountable only to Juraens and Mark. They were to research and hire an international law firm in addition to advertising and public relations firms as Mark advised the Council all three would be necessary.

Morgan stood to greet them. “I thought we would have a private meeting, Mark.”

“Cut the bullshit, Morgan. I see you’re in civilian clothing. What do they have you doing now, kidnapping more innocent children?” Mark’s lip curled.

“There is no need for the open hostility, Mark. I thought we were beyond that.” Morgan put out his hand. Mark didn’t take it.

“What do you want? Even if I did come alone, whatever you say to me will be conveyed to my Bonded through our mind link. We have no secrets from one other.” Mark walked over to the conference table.

“I’ve been appointed as Special Ambassador to the United Nations to deal with interplanetary negotiations. They felt I had a better working knowledge of the Sarran mindset because we interacted well the last time you were here.” Morgan smiled. Juraens wanted to read him but couldn’t because the Codex forbade it unless he was broadcasting his thoughts. From his dealings with Mark, Morgan knew enough about psy to shield his sentiments.

“We both know you are still in the clandestine services. Don’t try to bullshit me,” Morgan said, and gave a brief nod to Juraens at last, acknowledging his presence. Juraens took note of the slight.

“You’ve got it wrong. I no longer spy. I am a security guard for TeZaron and TeBron and I practice medicine, but I operate in the light.”

Morgan appeared floored at this new knowledge.

Mark pulled out a chair and motioned for Juraens to sit next to him, giving Morgan the choice of one of the other two. Morgan chose to sit next to Juraens, opposite Mark. Juraens was well aware that the General wanted the tactical advantage of being able to see Mark’s face while he said what was on his mind.

“Regardless of your current status, we want you to undertake a mission for us…”

“No.” Mark was adamant. There was no room for negotiation.

“You are still an American citizen. I can rescind your passport.” Juraens could tell that Morgan was fuming because Mark refused to keep the meeting private and suspected Mark’s answer would send him well into apoplexy.

“By the right of my Bond I am Sarran. I have renounced my American citizenship. My body is now Sarran as well as my mind. I chose this freely. I would not have returned to the covert services here on Earth even if I had not Bonded.” Mark looked at Morgan, his eyes steady and unblinking. Morgan turned away.

Juraens sent his Treasured warm thoughts. ::It seems you were correct. He knows we want fems. He’s going to try to slip a spy in among them. Thank God we can read auras, or else we won’t know who she will be.::

Morgan continued, “I have the power to make life very unpleasant for you and your Bonded. The other members of the Council know nothing about your psychic abilities,” Morgan said to Mark with heat.

“And I have the power to take what we need and end this mission. I can also interdict and embargo this planet so that none of the other members of the Planetary Council will trade with Earth for five hundred years. And the Sarran fleet will enforce the embargo,” Juraens said in a voice of steel as he leaned across the table and grabbed the general by the throat. “You dare to threaten my Bonded.”

Morgan’s eyes near popped out of his head.

“If you do not wish to create an interplanetary incident, I would suggest that you and your country, if they are even behind this, back off. We bring medicines and technology to your planet free of charge and ask for little in return, but you cannot have Mark. He is Sarran and he is mine.” Juraens let Morgan go and stood up to his full height. At six foot seven, Juraens towered over the retired general who was only five foot nine in his boots. Juraens took out his com.

“I am going to call your President and ask that she replace you as their chief trade negotiator.” Juraens’ temper was barely leashed.

“Wait,” Morgan asked putting his hand on Juraens’ sleeve. “I was out of line. When I sent Mark to Sarran I didn’t think he would be lost to us. I tried to take advantage of our previous close relationship.”

Juraens sat down to listen to what the General wasn’t saying.

“Relationship…you have balls. You used me, threatening my parents unless I cooperated. My parents are now dead and you can’t touch Juraens. I was lost to you long before the Sarrans came and you know it.” Mark turned away in disgust.

Morgan blustered. “I tried to shield you, boy, from the worst of it. You have no idea what they would have done to you if I didn’t stop them. You got to grow up and leave. I did my best within the parameters of my mission.” Morgan pleaded, now more for himself than his government. Juraens could see that despite his deeds, he really cared for Mark. He did his duty but he didn’t like it.

Mark spit at him, fire in his eyes. “I recognized you as the puppet master. I know where you sent me and why. You expected me to use my psy to get us out of hopeless situations. I knew you were behind that abortion of a mission in Afghanistan and the f****d up attack in Iraq. I know all of your secrets, John, and will not hesitate to vomit them all over the room.” Mark pointed to the door of the Security Council Chambers.

“Mark, please, let’s not end it like this. I’m sorry for everything. It will take some time for me to adjust to your new position.” Morgan gripped the edge of the teak table so hard that his knuckles were white. Juraens read the anger and hurt in his aura. He stood.

“Adjust quickly,” Juraens told Morgan as he pulled out Mark’s chair. Mark got up and stood beside Juraens. Juraens put his arms around his bonded and held him, rubbing his shoulders. ::You don’t always have to be the strong one, My Treasure. You have me as backup and I will never betray you.:: Mark put his arms around Juraens’ waist and hugged tightly.

Juraens looked out of the conference room and watched the corridor, then checked the time on his com. Delegates began to arrive. “It is ten tines. Let’s join your Security Council. I believe we are here to discuss access and trade.”