The Darlings on Ice: Space Darlings Series

By B. L. Daniels

Space Explorers Lt. Colonel Lori and Major Gladriel, The Space Darlings, are witnesses against the galactic criminal syndicate LaCivita. Suddenly the women vanish.
Since their disappearance the Glather Council isseeking them as witnesses, and hoping they have knowledge of the creator of the popular Space Darlings entertainment series.
The leader of LaCivita is seeking Gladriel who destroyed much of his empire. He is searching the galaxy for clues to where she could be.
Additionally Fergus, an old acquaintance of the women, is helping their pilot Redford as he too searches for the woman. He wants to find them first as he fears for their safety.
The women, ignorant of the groups searching for them, find themselves locked beneath the surface of a frozen planet. They have no way to leave, no communications, and food for 88 years. It doesn't look as if they are meant to leave the planet for a long time. They wonder, "Who sent us here?"
This combination leads to romance, mayhem, danger, chaos, discovery of a subterranean city, and a threat upon their very lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456797676

B. L. Daniels

Under the name B. L. Daniels, Barbara Daniels Phillips, has written three books of Romantic Adventure in The Space Darling Series: BEST LAID PLANS, Vol. I ; THE DARLINGS ON ICE, Vol. II; and POWER OF THE CROWN, Vol. III. Barbara taught English foe twenty-two years at Wamego High School and administrated and taught at Highland Community College in Wamego, Kansas. Barbara Daniels Phillips earned her BA in education degree from Wichita State University and her MA degree in Language Arts at Fort Hays State University. Ms. Phillips was a recipient of two fellowships in Philosopy at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas and three fellowships in Social Studies and one in Newspaper at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. She spent two summer workshops at KU attending studies in Science Fiction under the direction of Dr. James E. Gunn a science fiction author and teacher. He authored The Road to Science Fiction collection. For many years he was the director of the Center for the Study of Science Fiction at the University of Kansas. Under the name B. L. Phillips, Barbara Phillips, has written a Romantic Adventure Fantasy novel Search for the Red Wizard: Blue Wizard's Quest.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Bwhari’s Ship The Bradford

Where is she? Why haven’t you found her? Bwhari demanded of the three men who faced him from across his desk. His anger was in not in control now and they feared what he might do or demand.

Chaffy, a morose stout fellow given to biting his lower lip, uncrossed his arms. He was hoping that Bwhari would stop fixating on the young Phisman Gladriel whom he had kidnapped from sector 12. Was it her fault or a matter of coincidence that had felled the massive organization LaCivita out of the Citadel? No doubt more Deke’s fault. That arrogant Acuman and thief had a hand in it. I need to prove it and get Bwhari back into the management of the company. A nice hunk of it was still intact.

Babyar, the bulk of his enormous weight was supported by a confo-chair, sat with his knees splayed apart, stared at the floor directly in front of him, as though memorizing its pattern. His thoughts drifted as he thought of the beautiful Gladriel with the almond skin and black soft curly hair. She was gentle, kind, and gorgeous. They had talked and he found her wonderfully kind and a fighter for her freedom. He wished Bwhari had left her alone. She didn’t want to be property in one man’s harem. In a strange way he was glad she’d escaped and was free now, if only for a time. He remembered her dance of the captured dove on his transport ship. He played it often. He’d turn it on and watched the brown eyed beauty in her white dress as she danced to celebrate her freedom. As the dance proceeded she crumpled like a beaten bird at the end of the dance when she helplessly fought against the cage. He wept often because he too knew the feeling.

Ordante pyramided his fingers in front of his face and he looked through them. His over six feet body was buff and tan. His beard and mustache were neatly trimmed. He was a handsome man in his uniform as it accented his broad shoulders and narrow waist. He knew he was handsome and reveled in his sex appeal. Today his thoughts were deep as he waited. He thought of the stigma he’d suffered in his defeat at the hands of the tall golden skinned Nordiman. It was unbelievable.

Both he and Bwhari were Acumen. They were bested by those two women. Gladriel had escaped during an internal attack by Deke and possibly Gabriel, herself helped, although she may have only been taking advantage of the attack. Deke and his brother Beall had made off with one of Bwhari’s ships and their share of Bwhari’s treasures. Why aren’t we chasing him?

His leader Bwhari was fixated on the almond skinned brown eyed Gladriel. She was the greatest dancer he had ever seen and was fascinating, but it was more than that. At the Governor’s Birthday party and the end of the former LaCivita, Gladriel and Lori, along with a bulbous Blatherian, fought him and Bwhari in hand-to-hand combat and won. To top it off Commander Sheffield’s arrival had been the coups d’etat. Bwhari and I barely escaped. Lori left me with a broken heart and a broken nose.

Bwhari, former head of LaCivita and now rebuilding his empire didn’t ask a second time. Rather he continued to stare tight lipped at the three men. He was a mature male with a few grey hairs and dark brown eyes. His presence was forceful and reeked of power. He was an extremely handsome and fit male Acuman.

Ordante broke the strained silence by clearing his throat. When he spoke his voice had a hesitant tone. We don’t know. Though I was able to trace her and Lori to Lattimer’s space port, I lost their trail there. They couldn’t have gotten on any ship without attracting attention but they’re not on Lattimer now,

You know for sure? asked Bwhari in a sarcastic impatient edge to his voice.

Ordante shrugged before he remembered the gesture angered Bwhari. To cover his mistake he flashed a quick smile and rubbed the tip of his nose, a habit he was acquiring.

Bwhari stood up so quickly the confo-chair in where he sat had no time to release itself. He slapped the table with his open palm and it shot sideways leaving him directly facing the men. I want my woman! His mind saw her standing before him. He felt the touch of her skin on him. She was his and he wanted her once more.

Babyar, still not meeting Bwhari’s gaze, muttered, She might have gone back to Phisman. Did anyone check it out?

I searched there first, Bwhari snarled. Babyar is such an idiot. I wonder if he’s ever really cared about a woman or man.

Is there a chance—No, I don’t’ suppose so, said Ordante in a hesitant voice.

What, Ordante? Bwhari demanded, directing his attention and wrath directly at him. He had failed him before when they were escaping from the Governor’s Mansion and LaCivita’s Citadel beneath the mansion. Still he needed him. Ordante was brilliant at communications but such an egotist.

I’ve been thinking. Those two may not be real entertainers, even though they were magnificent, he smiled as he thought of the golden Lori with her sensuous body. They knew the art of KaLath defense. As far as I know, only the Academy teaches those tricks of fighting. If we could look at the Council’s files—

If anyone could find out it should have been you, Bwhari snorted. You were a Communication Officer. Why haven’t you accessed those files and network?

I wish I could, but the networks refuse to acknowledge me. I’ve offered them every code I know and some I made up. Someone’s set up a new initial code system.

Bwhari sighed. He sat back into his confo-chair then spoke. I suppose I shall have to call in the favor of an ally, although I preferred to hold it a bit longer. He glared at the incompetent men who were once his key network team. Chaffy had handled the syndicated business; Babyar, one of his most loyal cohorts, had delivered the various commodities and Ordante had guarded his front and back doors. Now, thanks to the interference of two women, his vast empire had crumbled. He’s lost his Citadel and all but two supply lanes. If he hadn’t sought to add Gladriel to his harem, the authorities might never have caught onto his empire. He was angry with himself over his own weakness for a Phisman woman.

In his over twenty years of control over LaCivita, there had been no trouble. Nothing of any kind should have alerted the High Council or Glather, the intelligence intergalactic agency. Nothing, that is until now. Over one Glather year ago he had taken possession of a Phisman female, expecting to enjoy her for many years. In his mind he could see her as she danced for him. Her almond skin glistened with sweat and desire. She was like a limber reed. His halo grams were reminders of her beauty and grace. He sneered now at his idea of fostering a child with her. She had destroyed his Citadel, disrupted his shipping, and brought full martial law to Sector 12. All he had left was a small number of transport ships and the one space cruiser, The Bradford, he now occupied and access to a prison colony. His options were closing. He shook his head and ran his fingers through his thick black curly hair as he attempted to brush away the haunting thoughts within him. He knew now he should call in the favor. Chaffy’s voice drew him back to the discussion.

I can’t see what we can do, if Ordante can’t access the files, said Chaffy.

Here, said Bwhari as he touched a panel. A lift rose up from his desk. He took from it a code cube the size of a thumb ring and handed it to Ordante. This should get you the Information for the Bureau’s codes and allow access to all its files. Use it discreetly and return it to me.

Ordante accepted the cube and turned it over in his hand several times. He recognized the embossed seal of the High Counselade LaConTraVitra. Ordante had long suspected someone in a high position in the present government was working with Bwhari, but until now the thought had only been a suspicion. He never would have believed it went so high. He balanced the cube on the palm of his hand and smiled.

Be wary of how you use it, Ordante, warned Bwhari. You are to locate Gladriel and it should be used for nothing more."

Ordante nodded understanding, but turning away, he chuckled under his breath. If this would locate the beautiful dark Gladriel, it could also locate his blonde tall Lori. He wanted Lori in more than one way. He had a score to settle with her. He ran his left index finger across the tip of his nose as he thought of the moment when they would meet again. Only hours before she destroyed his handsome face he had taken time to explore their relationship and her body. Truly she was worth the finding. Their time in the shower, when he tried to force himself on her was a revelation when she established her ability to fight back and then inflicted pain on him was more than erotic. His take pleasure at the pain from her hands and she held her own against him. I’ll never see another like her. I do plan on destroying her one day, but not until I’ve established myself as her superior. She was the first Nordiman with whom he’d had pleasure. Now she was spending time with a fellow Acuman, Commander Sheffield. He felt a flash of anger. Sheffield has no right to touch her. Lori is mine.

Bwhari dismissed the three men. After the door closed behind them, he coded the hologram and began watching Gladriel gracefully and passionately dancing the Phisman mating ritual. He watched as she fought him. Slowly the music began to pull her into the dance. She begged and pleaded for him to turn it off. He felt a rush of pleasure; she was beginning to know her place. Her delicate frame became filled with the flush of sex. Her eyes dilated and she ran her hands over her body. Her nipples firmed and she turned and dipped enticing him to join her and he did. He watched himself remove his clothing and come to her side. Then he saw his own naked body weave and bob in harmony with her almond form. His breath came in gasps as he saw himself circle her and when the passion in both had reached a point where he knew she was his, he picked her up and carried her to his bed. They had no more than begun when the alarm bells rang sharply. He continued to caress her soft moist body and kissed her full red lips. He was ready for consummation of the dance and the alarm still continued. He was deeply into the spell of the ritual dance and he watched as she tried to make him listen to the warning. She had not realized that when she rolled away from him and told him of the alarm, she had accidentally struck his face. Then he watched himself back hand her soundly and she rolled from the bed and struck her head. He regretted doing so, yet also he enjoyed thinking he paid her back in some small way for ruining his life. He played the scene again and again. If only it had ended the way he planned he thought to himself. Why did she have to destroy his sanctuary and their possible life together?

The next morning, in the Ward Room, Bwhari’s entrance intensified an already electric moment. Bwhari crossed to the circle of seats, pulled out a confo-chair and eased into it. Well, Chaffy, what have you to report?

I have been in contact with our agents in various quadrants and we are re-establishing our supply lanes to Victor’s Vineyard. This should be accomplished within two weeks.

Good, Chaffy, I’ll read your report on the possible revenues later. Now, Ordante, I’d like to hear your report.

Ordante flashed his white toothy smile at Bwhari and spoke smugly. I may have some of the data you seek. I spent all night accessing files in my search. He pulled the cube from his chest pocket and held in his hand. This is a powerful code, mighty powerful. Ordinate paused. No one responded, so he continued. You know, I would have sworn we had no chance of finding those women." He chuckled.

Bwhari cleared his throat.

Ordante hurried to continue. My codes would never have penetrated Glather. I know why, now. It confirmed what I suspected earlier: Lori and Gladriel are Explorer Spacers. They each got a promotion for their work in Sector 12. Now it’s Lt. Colonel Lori and Major Gladriel. He paused for dramatic affect and looked first at Chaffy, then Babyar and finally Bwhari. Ordante could not pull his eyes away from Bwhari, whose cold stare was like that of a Demon Lizard. It paralyzes its prey by its stare before striking.

If this is so, you should have no difficulty locating them.

It isn’t quite so simple, Bwhari. Sure, I learned they are Spacers, have promotions and returned to the Academy. I found a date recording Gladriel’s resumption of her archaic research, and a notation saying Lori was spending her time with Commander Sheffield. It seems he has had a promotion to Commander. Ordante’s voice quivered and he paused.

For months now, neither woman has been recorded as present or on their home planets or at the Academy. I do not know where they are now. There is no record.

What could have happened to them? Babyar asked.

They’re not dead. If they were a notation would have been affixed to their files. Before Ordante could say more Chaffy spoke up.

You accessed their files? I’m impressed.

I did and much more. A note included in it said Counselade Hyptiggia is interested in them. She authorized their first assignment, as well as their second one to Sector 12. After all, Lori is the only other Nordiman seen off planet except for Hyptiggia herself. The problem seems to be the ‘Space Darlings Series’ vid series is still on the air and into home files. It is associated with the two women; although there is no proof they had or have anything to do with this popular vid series. It appeared after their first assignment before they returned and now is in a second season, even before they got back from Minera. It’s pretty brash. Their second mission portrays us as villains and the season is based on the incidents of too many late mining reports. He looked directly at Bwhari who sat ramrod straight in his chair. Shall I continue?

Simultaneously, as Bwhari nodded yes, Chaffy whistled in admiration on hearing the women were spacers. They were the best entertainers he’d ever seen.

Babyar apologized to Bwhari, I didn’t know those women were Spacers. I never would have—

I’ve not accused you of knowing they were Spacers. I don’t think you would have suggested the Phisman woman, had you known. Bwhari waved his hand, Let Ordante complete his report.

"I cannot trace them. I can, however, say for certain they are not on their home planets. After those were eliminated it left me transportation as the area I needed to research. The latest Council communiqués among the Counselades indicates the women are being sought by the Council as we speak. Counselade Hyptigga’s Center is locked. I could not find a way to access it.

In transportation of equipment I found an entry indicating a Jump ship bound toward the outermost region of our solar system. It had cargo designated for an archaeological expedition. Its manifest lists seventeen line items. It aroused my suspicions. By estimating the weight given, and the fact that two items were identified as LS units requiring supervision, I concluded those LS’s might be the two women. And with further research, I discovered a Jump ship had accepted cargo from a system flyer whose orders were to conceal its destination. I am following this particular lead now.

Where are the women headed, Ordante? Bwhari yelled.

Ordante shrugged his shoulders and rubbed the tip of his nose. I will keep working on it.

See that you do. He got up and left the room.

Chapter 2

Counselade Hyptiggia’s Quarters

Hyptiggia, who was removing dead leaves from her bank of exotic plants, turned to face LaConTraVitra. I have told you repeatedly the women are my concern. Both the Academy and Space are my domain, not yours. He eyes had narrowed as she spoke this should have signaled she was not standing for his rude intrusion into her home. He had come unbidden and with no warning. This was an affront of the highest order.

You should have notified me you would be assigning those women a new mission.

This is an Academy decision, not the Council’s or yours. What concern is it of yours?

There is a request for the women’s presence—

It has nothing to do with the Academy. We are not diplomats. Diplomacy is your domain.

Exactly so, my needs supersede your command.

This is not a personal matter. It is an intergalactic matter. If every time you wanted your way and stepped over others areas to achieve your own way, there would be no need of a Council. You would be the supreme ruler and we’d be your lackeys.

I didn’t mean to infer any such thing. He thought to himself, ‘She’d aimed and hit the possibility square on. She is smarter than she looks. Her inane stupid smile glued on her golden face with her white gold hair is a disgrace. I hate smiles. She is all light and grace. She can walk on her own and others find her attractive. I have to use an antigravity device to move around. I hate her and her kind.’

I mean, I need the women to be diplomats since a peripheral world wants them as their delegates from the Council.

Are you planning on training them for this mission? I think not. They are Explorer Spacers and trained in their fields of study. They have had no diplomatic experience or instruction. They are not in your department; they are Academy Spacers. Remember this fact, High Counselade. She turned her back on him and took a deep breath and slowly released the air. This calmed her some so she took another breath and turned back slowly.

Hyptiggia, wh—

My proper address is Counselade or Counselade Hyptiggia, not Hyptiggia, unless you prefer for me to address you as LaConTraVitra.

Counselade Hyptiggia, I apologize for being rude.

Noted and accepted. Now why should I want to send two Academy Spacers as diplomats to a peripheral world?

I would like to appeal to you for the release of these women from the Academy and their transfer to the Diplomatic Section.

So noted also, but unacceptable. She turned away from him once more. He was a hideous creature. He was over clothed, unable to move on his own and his face rested in a nest of red velvet. His eyes never blinked, or appeared not to blink. His appearance and attitude brought her shivers of disgust. She dusted her hands from her former leaf removal. Then she walked slowly over to her cluster of white cushioned confo-chairs, each were gravity programmed. She settled in to one and began to speak. Diplomats and diplomacy have been your priority, High Counselade. You’ve always insisted we Counselades maintain secrecy. Even you do so right now. I’m merely following your dictate and example. Besides, you have trained diplomats who could easily handle this assignment. Give it to them! she ordered. Her anger nearly leaped the border into hysteria. Only with great effort did she keep it in check. Leave my department alone!

Unfortunately I cannot do that, Counselade Hyptiggia, he said as sweetly as he could manage. A recently awakened neighboring empire has specifically requested those women. The entire Council, except for you, agrees with me. The women should be sent immediately.

Hyptiggia maintained a serene face though her thoughts were not. ‘So what, she thought? The Council can agree with him, makes no difference to me. Besides, I know not all the Council agrees with him. They didn’t want his hand in their business either.’

She smiled once more and began to speak. You came today to my chambers uninvited. Actions of a personal nature infringing on the personal life of another are not something allowed to any Counselade. I feel you have overstepped your boundaries. Furthermore, you have called my authority and my decisions into question in front of the Council. This is rude and unacceptable. She mentally told herself, ‘If you want Lori and Gladriel you will pay my price. True, my relocation of the women had been immediate once they returned. It isn’t in your domain or a decision you can make. After all, I am the second oldest ranking member of the Council this gives me some advantage.’

She waved him to the seat across from hers before programming the servo. Hyptiggia had heard the Sseech never reclined in the presence of anyone, except their own kind.

At first LaConTraVitra was nonplused by Hyptiggia’s words and actions. Then he grew angry. ‘He kept trying to remember if Nordimen liked flattery and if he could win his way using it. Still he saw no reason not to use it. The many years his people had been in contact with other intelligences had led them to adopt whatever expediency would advance them. He was quite prepared to do so now.’

He drifted closer, nodded at the offered chair, but declined it and chose to remain standing. His refusal to be seated might be a minor rebuff, but one it gave him pleasure.

In a