A SPARTAN'S WAR

"…Pralor?" Wayonn gasped. "Duewa… Duewa are you sure?"

Duewa nodded her head looking at Wayonn and Helen who had now joined them. Also crowded into the medical bay now was Captain Akemi, Muton, Daniel Simpson and Julie Collins. "I'm very sure Val'istar." She answered.

Wayonn looked at Anja. "Anja?"

Anja was leaning against one of the exam tables. "Duewa's specialty is genetic Mutagens Wayonn. In some respects she's even more knowledgeable than me in this field because I focus more on genetic restructuring. I would listen to her."

Duewa looked at Anja and smiled inwardly. Her words let Duewa know that Anja trusted her fully. "I know it's a lot to take in but…"

"How did this happen Duewa?" Helen asked standing beside her grandfather.

Duewa turned to the medical screen and brought up some scans. "Anja and I conducted thorough internal scans of these creatures over the past few days."

"And one thoroughly disgusting internal physical exam." Anja quipped.

Duewa nodded. "Yes… that is very true." She adjusted the screen showing a holographic image of one creature's head. "This tongue appendage that we witnessed them using is laced with microscopic needles." She maximized the image and then they all could see the tiny needle like objects. Hundreds of them. "When it is fully inserted into a victim's throat, these needles extend and begin injecting a toxin into the victim. It is a metabolic toxin of some kind, both a neuro venom to make their victims unable to move or fight them, and also a cellular mutagen. Essentially it begins to break down the molecular base of a victim's DNA leaving it vulnerable to attack and manipulation." Duewa adjusted the screen. "When the victim is docile… it then injects massive amounts of its own cells."

"By raping them?" Julie asked softly.

Duewa nodded her head slowly. "It is the most effective way to introduce the volume of their own DNA needed to make this type of transformation into their victims. And it would not be pleasant." She touched the screen again and it focused on the creature's groin area. "Each of these creatures has two injection modules in their genitals. Very flexible and both nearly fourteen inches long."

"The thing has two dicks?" Danny almost shouted.

Julie looked at him. "Jesus Simpson… you have a one track mind." She blurted causing all of them to smile.

"What?" Danny snapped. "That's what she is saying! Isn't it?"

Duewa held back her laugh and nodded. "Yes Daniel… in answer to your question." She said. "As best as I am able to determine… the metabolic toxin makes their victims completely docile and unable to fight them. I don't know if it affects their minds or not but from everything I can determine I would say the victims are fully aware of what is happening to them."

"Then what?" Helen asked.

"Well… I can only estimate but…" She adjusted the screen once more. "Like this simulation here with each, for lack of a better term, orgasm, the creatures then flood the victims with their cells and DNA. These cells are highly aggressive and immediately begin to attack the now weakened cells of the victims. Once infected, the cellular mutation and rewrite begins and spreads incredibly fast."

"Given what we see here, Duewa and I estimate that the transformation would only take twelve hours." Anja spoke.

Martin looked at her quickly. "Our people Red?" He asked.

Anja shook her head. "None of them had time to inject the metabolic toxin into our people." She answered.

"We're keeping them under close observation Martin… but it appears these creatures need several moments before their tongue appendage seats fully and the needles extend." Duewa said. "Thankfully they did not have that time."

Wayonn moved to the polyglass enclosed room that held the dead creature. "And this one… this was a Pralor?" He asked.

Duewa nodded. "The victims seem to retain some strands of their core DNA within their mutated bodies. The Lycavorian cells are what made this one so hard to kill. Seven K12 rounds point blank." Duewa said. "Those core strands are what matched within our database and that is why they were detected during the Electrosanitizer Screening. This was a Pralor, probably female, who was changed by a Lycavorian."

Martin looked at him. "Wayonn… Anja and Duewa both agree that this was a Pralor who had been changed by a Lycavorian. I thought that only happened on Lycavore."

Wayonn turned back to look at him. "To the best of my knowledge it was Martin." He told him. "You must remember that this was a decision Sumar made. It is not something that we did normally on seeding missions. It was forbidden in fact to interact with an indigenous species of a planet. Sumar knew of the Scourge and what they were doing in Pralor space and…"

"The first war never really ended did it Wayonn?" Martin asked him softly.

Wayonn shook his head and looked at Martin. "Not really no. The Scourge only pulled back in order to reformulate their plans. The thousand years of peace that followed the end of the first war was nothing more than a ruse that our government told our people." Wayonn looked at the creature in the exam room. "Our military, such as it was, encountered them over three dozen times during that thousand year respite. Each time a brief engagement was fought and then they retreated."

"Wayonn…" Martin began. "Arzoal said there were other planets that the Pralors seeded with Lycavorians. Four to be exact, not including Lycavore or the Rothryn people which Andro and Denali have discovered."

Wayonn nodded his head. "Your… our species… was perhaps the most versatile species we had ever encountered." He spoke. "Your unique abilities allowed you to adjust to almost any environment."

"I take it the Rothryn are one of those groups for sure then?" Martin asked.

Wayonn nodded again. "Given everything that Andro and Denali have discovered about them I would have to say yes. But I do not know for sure Martin. I was not privy to every decision made by the Pralor Science Division. Shiria would probably know since she left so much later after we did. SPARTA'S WRATH may even have files on it. Sumar was the Chief Elder Pralor… but even he was not allowed to know everything the Science Division did."

"Why does the way you say that not give me fuzzy warm feelings Wayonn?" Anja asked softly.

Wayonn looked at her. "Why should it?" He asked gently. "We may have been very technologically advanced Anja but we were by no means perfect."

All we need do is remember what Artre did to know that. Arzoal's voice filled their heads from where she rested in the landing bay. All species are capable of terrible acts Anja and the Pralors were not exempt from such a thing.

"Point taken." Anja said.

"Ok… I'm not going to let us get into a discussion of Pralor morality or the consequences of whatever they did in the past." Martin spoke. "What I want to know is where this particular ugly came from."

"Based on the structure of the few Lycavorian and Pralor DNA strands that I found I can estimate that the Lycavorian who turned this female was between two and three thousand years old." Duewa told them.

"And the Pralor?" Wayonn asked.

"Somewhere between five and six thousand. Closer to six thousand in fact." Duewa answered.

"Six thousand?" Wayonn asked. "You are sure?"

Duewa nodded. "Yes reasonably sure. I used your cells as a reference." She told him.

"Does that make a difference grandfather?" Helen asked him.

"Yes." He answered. "Because of Pralor longevity… anyone under five hundred years of age was not allowed to be part of expeditions outside our charted space." Wayonn replied to her question. Arzoal… this order had not changed when you departed correct? He reached out within Mindvoice so they all could hear him.

Arzoal's answer was immediate. No it was still in effect.

Wayonn looked at them and their confusion. "It allowed our younger generations to discover themselves and have families of their own before reaching out into the stars." He explained to them. "Age determined how far they were allowed to range outside our space. Pralors over five hundred years and under ten thousand years were allowed free access to whatever missions they wanted no matter the distance. Over ten thousand years the limits began."

Because of the knowledge they would have acquired in that time. Arzoal spoke.

"Keep the older Pralors back because of their knowledge and what they could teach." Martin said nodding his head. "That makes sense. We do it too."

Wayonn nodded. "I do not remember any missions that were slotted for…" He looked at Akemi. "We are still within the Delta quadrant as our charts indicate correct Akemi?"

Akemi nodded immediately. "Yes. Our next jump will take us out of Delta and put us in Echo. At least according to our charts. Once we clear echo… we'll truly be in the unknown as far as our charts extend. Muton's map only plots a course… it doesn't give information on the space we will cross." She answered.

Wayonn looked at Martin. "We need to send this information to Shiria Martin." He said. "She did not leave Pralor space until just under eleven thousand years ago. And she was a junior scientist within the Science Division. She may very well have this information. It may even be on SPARTA'S WRATH."

Martin nodded his head. "Akemi… when do we do our next data dump to Dreamland?"

"Nine hours twenty-seven minutes." Akemi answered instantly. "You know Ben is a stickler for precision." She said.

"And he is the one that accepts all the dumps?" Martin asked.

Akemi nodded. "Personally."

"Duewa… I want you and Anja to put all this information into a data packet that he can send to Shiria." Martin said. "This stays within this room for right now understand?"

"Duewa and I want to keep the body of the dead one lover." Anja said. "We may be able to learn a lot more with extended study."

"I would like to assist them." Wayonn spoke.

Martin nodded. "I'll trust you two in that regard. No funky stuff you hear me?"

Duewa smiled. "Trust me Martin… I am not willing to endanger all I have discovered these last months over possible scientific discoveries. It's not worth it."

"What about this one that you say is still alive?" Muton spoke as he stood in front of the glass.

Martin looked at Duewa. "Duewa?"

"We don't have any idea what species this one was before the transformation." She stated. "We have nothing in our databases that comes close. The only thing I can determine is that it was bipedal like us. Aside from that… it is an unknown. Given what these things are capable of… if we keep it and it somehow manages to escape it could infect countless members of our crew before we even knew it was free. If that happened… we could lose hundreds."

"Space it." Julie spoke firmly.

Duewa looked at her and then back to Martin. "As much as my Hadarian blood calls for me to disagree with Julie… my Lycavorian blood tells me the same thing. I can take some additional samples from it… but then we need to vent it out an airlock Martin. It's far too dangerous to keep onboard."

Martin nodded and glanced at Anja who only smiled at him. "Do it." He said. "I want it gone today. And slap a hazard buoy on it too… proximity activation… just to be safe." He pushed off the table. "Wayonn… Helen… meet me in the landing bay with Arzoal. We need to have a talk."

They watched Martin move to the door silently and exit the Medical Bay.

"Something tells me that ain't going to be a pleasant talk." Danny said softly leaning over to Julie.

Julie looked up at him. "You got that sense too huh?" She watched as Wayonn and Helen exited the Medical Bay with Muton. "You know Danny… this trip just keeps getting better and better."

"It ain't just a job…" Danny said.

"It's a fucking adventure!" They both spoke at the same time.

PRIDE OF PUMAS

PUSINTIN'S COMMAND SHIP

FOUR DAYS BEHIND ARC ROYAL

0730 HRS, EST

"…hoping you might consider allowing me to utilize the services of this Hadarian wench you have on board Marshall." Koguth'Juturi stood in front of his chair in the conference room of Pusintin's ship.

The meeting had been going on for three hours now and Pusintin had to admit, this Koguth'Juturi knew his stuff. He hid his emotions well concerning his whore daughter but Pusintin could smell the anger and hate on him when he spoke of her. His only desire now it seemed was to capture her and make her pay for the dishonor she had brought to his Pride. His oldest son Mataen'Juturi had an even harder time disguising his emotions and Pusintin knew then he had found two allies. Pusintin hadn't known until Popal told him that Koguth and his ship had been part of his Task Force to Enurrua. His ship had been heavily damaged in the initial missile attacks but they had held it together long enough to repair their engines and then limp to Nefoa. Those actions bespoke of solid leaders who would brook no defiance. The record of their Pride was impeccable and Pusintin knew that if Keleru trusted them completely, he could do so as well. At this request however, Pusintin leaned forward.

"How do you know I have her?" Pusintin asked first.

Koguth bowed his head. "Forgive me my forwardness Marshall." He spoke. "Knowing of your injuries suffered on Enurrua and that your ship went to Talbor Seven, I only assumed you were there for the Hadarian couple. My apologies."

Pusintin relaxed slightly. "There is no need to apologize." He spoke sitting back. "I have them. The man is being kept apart for he is one of Buonau's supporters. I would prefer to vent him out of the airlock, the cowardly fuck, but Keleru ordered me to keep him alive. His type of asshole is what is keeping Buonau in the good graces of her followers and to kill one would be detrimental to our plans for Hadaria."

"Why could the man simply not have an accident Marshall?" Mataen asked.

Pusintin laughed as he got to his feet and looked at Kalis who sat at the other end of the table observing the meeting. He had only spoken a few times, but Pusintin had been impressed with his statements and his comments. Surprisingly… his son was beginning to show signs of being a capable leader and Kavalian. He trained everyday in the gym with the Kavalian Sergeant Master of the Puma Bane troops on board. He was absorbing tactical skills from Popal like a sponge and he was maxing out the test simulations that Popal was putting him through. Kalis was not Leruk… but perhaps his oldest son was finally beginning to become a man and something that Pusintin could at least be willing to call his son.

"I like the way your son thinks Koguth." Pusintin said as he moved to the view window. "Unfortunately… this little exercise has tested the limits of Keleru's patience with me. He supports me… but I will not put that support in jeopardy by refusing his orders to keep the fool alive."

Koguth nodded. "A wise decision Marshall. When we catch the Lycavorian King however, you will only show the Prefect you were right to begin with."

Pusintin turned back around and looked at him. "Yes we will." He stated. "I have been using the wife every few days to sate my needs. She is not particularly inventive in bed… but her healing skills are excellent. And the metaphysical radiation in her body keeps her nice and tight. Though she squalls too loudly for my taste when I take her ass."

Koguth and his son laughed at this. "Put a sock in her mouth Marshall." Mataen spoke finally.

Pusintin chuckled. "I just may do that." He stated. "I have the daughter and son as well. They are locked in the Security Brig."

"You don't use the daughter?" Koguth asked.

Pusintin shook his head. "She has not Ascended as the Hadarians call it. She does not have the healing skills of her mother."

"Dispose of them." Koguth spoke.

Pusintin shook his head. "That is part of the deal with the husband. He does not care what we do to his woman… but his children are to be unharmed. Besides… I doubt from her age she has ever been with a man and I do not want the trouble of breaking in a virgin. Why do you ask this?"

Koguth lowered his head slightly. "I withdraw my request Marshall. She services your needs and that is what is important."

"No… speak your mind Koguth." Pusintin said. "If Keleru'Puat trusts you as he does then I am stupid for not following his actions. You have injured crewmen?"

Koguth looked at his son quickly and then nodded. "Many of my senior and most experienced officers and crew were injured during the attack. I have an excellent group of medics but one of the casualties was our ship's doctor. Many of my men report for duty holding in their pain as they should. I would like to provide them relief for their pain because of their actions in assisting Mataen and I in saving our ship."

"They are good officers and men?" Pusintin asked.

Koguth nodded. "I invite you to our ship to see for yourself Marshall. We would be honored to have you." He said quickly.

Pusintin held up his hand. "Your offer is welcome Koguth… but my duties here have me very busy."

"I understand Marshall." Koguth said. "We will endure as any Kavalian should."

"No… your words and deeds should be rewarded." Pusintin said. "You have shown your loyalty to Keleru and to the KFI many times over. This request is not in any way unreasonable." He sat back down in his chair. "She will be yours three days a week until your crew is returned to full status. You may use her if you wish… or your son… but I do not want her passed among your crew. She is too valuable to us now that we are out here in the unknown."

"You honor me Marshall." Koguth spoke bowing his head. "And only Mataen here has the energy to use her in his bed. I am too old and have no wish to have some hairless female in my bed."

Pusintin laughed. "Except for her head… she is hairless." He spoke.

"I will not injure her in any way Marshall. You have my word as one of your officers." Mataen told him.

"I have only one other simple request Marshall Pusintin… if I may?" Koguth asked.

Pusintin nodded. "Speak."

"When we have caught the animal King… when we have killed them… I request that my daughter be taken alive so that myself and her Pride may see to her execution." Koguth spoke harshly. "I do not wish her stain on our Pride to go unpunished."

Pusintin nodded his head. "If she is taken alive… you will have her." He said.

Koguth bowed his head deeply as he stood, Mataen rising to his feet as well. "You honor us Marshall Pusintin."

Pusintin nodded his head. "I will have her brought to your ship. Kalis… my son… he will see to it." Pusintin stood up now. "I must return to my duties but please… I would be happy to have you for dinner one evening soon."

Koguth's eyes were bright. "That would be an honor we would never refuse Marshall." He stammered.

"Good. I will see to it. Good day gentlemen." Pusintin watched as they turned and left the conference room and he saw Kalis rise to his feet as the door slid shut. "Well?" He asked sternly.

Kalis moved closer to his father. "The internal room sensors could detect no lie from them father." He answered.

Pusintin nodded. "And I smelled nothing either."

"What they are asking seems reasonably considering their connections to grandfather." Kalis spoke. "Granting them the Hadarian bitch's services was a wise move to incur their further trust, however… keeping an eye on them is also smart. To make sure they are doing as you ask."

Pusintin grunted and looked at his son. "You have become different these last weeks Kalis." He said. "Why is that?"

Kalis looked at him. "I will never replace Leruk in your eyes father… I know that. I have decided to try and be like him as much as I can. If only to know that I no longer shame you when you speak my name. I do not want your approval father… only your belief that I will do what is necessary to accomplish this."

Pusintin turned away from him for a moment. "You are making a start Kalis." He said finally.

"I also have a request father… if I may?" Kalis said.

Pusintin turned back to him. "What is that?"

"The younger Hadarian bitch." Kalis spoke harshly. "I would like her."

Pusintin shook his head. "Her mother's cooperation stems from her children." He spoke. "If they are injured or used in any way I have no doubts the woman will kill herself or allow herself to be killed."

"I understand this father… but grandfather's instructions were for you to not use her." Kalis said. "His orders did not extend to me. And since the incident in the Security Brig, and my actions there, the Puma Bane Troops are becoming more discontent. I have the most secure quarters on this ship father. There is no way she or her stupid brother could escape them. The bulkhead doors alone would have them trapped in the lower engineering section. They can do no harm in the refuse area. It removes her from potential harm and allows you more control of her mother."

"And gives the daughter to you." Pusintin said.

Kalis smiled evilly. "I will not mark her father. I only want to fuck her."

"Your actions that day were correct." Pusintin said turning to move to the wet bar along the bulkhead. "The men would have raped and beat her senseless after she struck one. It's what I would have done."

"Keeping them apart also gives you more control over her mother." Kalis said. "She will be more accepting of her role if she wishes to see her children. She will not fight you as much."

Pusintin turned and looked at him. "I like it when she fights." He said with a grin. "But it will allow me to keep my anger in check knowing that she is slightly more docile."

Kalis moved closer. "Allow me to do this father." He spoke. "I will not mark her in any way when I use her… and it removes a potential problem in the future if the Puma Bane troops continue to guard her. There will be no… accidents."

Pusintin stared at his son for a long moment. He could detect no lie within his scent and there was a cruelness that was not there a few short weeks ago. Pusintin finally nodded his head. "Very well Kalis." He stated. "I will hold you responsible for their containment and their health. If anything happens to them I will take it out on you."

Kalis nodded. "As you should father." He stated.

"See to Ceale being transferred to Koguth's ship and then take them down to your quarters." Pusintin spoke. "Give Popal a copy of your security measures and codes and make one for myself."

"I will have them to you this evening." Kalis said.

"Don't fail me Kalis." Pusintin said.

Kalis shook his head. "I do not intend to father."

Pusintin nodded. "Dismissed."