The Infinity Chronicles Volume 1

Act-15: Loci's plan...

Barnard's Dream Star System, 2 skips from Marrok, Starship 'Barnard's Star', 4-Feb-2329

Act 15: "Loci's plan.."

Alex sighed. He was beat, and it showed in everything he'd done recently, from the nearly missed skip plot error, to his course plot for Marrok. If it hadn't been for Ericka's careful eye, they'd have bounced through at least two stars.

"Alex? You're exhausted. Cygna and I can take over here. Go get some sleep." She had said. Alex trusted her, ever since he had become eternal, he was able to sense those aboard who were also eternal, or had the gene. Ericka, Cygna and Tina were active eternals. No one else possessed the gene. He was disappointed that Elisha didn't have it, but he figured there had to be a balance somewhere.

Rising from the helmsman's chair, he stumbled and went down hard on the deck. He had tried to catch himself, but he was just too far gone. Ericka and Cygna were by his side in seconds.

"Master!" Cygna had screamed as he collapsed onto the deck.

"Alex, are you alright?" Ericka asked, as she helped him to a sitting position. He was unresponsive however, a far away look in his eyes.

"Ahhh, he's with Ashia." She said, as Cygna looked at his blank features and sighed.

"I hope he's well." Ericka said, as she helped Cygna carry him into their quarters.

Alex awoke. Looking around, he realized he was chained down to a table in what looked like a room decorated by Jack the Ripper. Swords, chains, and various other cutting implements hung on hooks all around. The room looked to be constructed of hewn stone, as if dug out of a mountain. Thinking of Cygna, he made an attempt to go to her, but it failed! He thought about her again, and again he closed his eyes, but when he opened them, he was still chained down in this apparent dungeon.

"Don't bother with your life mate link, Chosen One, it won't work here." Came a stern and very familiar voice.

"Loci?" Alex asked, though he would have rather just passed into oblivious unconsciousness. He really was exhausted.

"I told you I would have my revenge, and I mean to collect my due right now." She said as she came into his view. He smirked, despite his lack of strength, cocky to the last.

"Well, since I still control that part of my anatomy, I doubt you'll have any luck, considering." He said with a sigh. She was pretty, but he just wasn't in the mood.

"Not even if I offer to inflate this?" She said, holding up a rather large red balloon. Alex arced an eyebrow.

"Well, you never said anything about balloon play. But, as much as I would like to, I really need a nap first."

"Hmm, very well. I would prefer a lively bed-mate, as opposed to a warm body. I shall return in 12 of your hours. Rest well, Chosen One." She said, as she turned and strode from view.

Closing his eyes, he knew he should try to escape, somehow, but sleep seemed so much more attractive at the moment...

<CYGNA! Where is your Master?!> Came Ashia's near scream in Cygna's head, as she cuddled with Alex's body. She sat up nearly at attention from the scream.

<Mistress? He's not with you??> She stammered, figuring she must be mistaken.

<Cygna, I haven't seen your Master in almost a month. And no, he isn't with me.> Ashia replied sternly. Cygna became upset very quickly.

"Master?" She said, as she shook Alex gently. His eyes were still half closed, as though day dreaming of something out of sight of her.

<What could have happened to him Mistress?> Cygna asked, very worried. She tried to use her link, but nothing happened.