The Vinctalin Legacy: Retaliation, Book 6 the Veekeren Element

By Vanda Denton

The glorious Emperor, ex-slave to the Vinctalin, could prove to be their one enemy capable of destroying them. And he does not think small. Believing he has the means to save humanity, to say nothing of wreaking vengeance on his evil tormentors, Pakow Lam Fellen leads an attack on the Vinctalin Home World. Only the raving, traumatised psychiatrist can see the flaw in his plan, because only he has come to understand the nature of the beasts.

The retaliatory strike on the Vinctalin increases hugely in complexity and scale, and horror, as a simple surgical strike turns into a mass attack on a number of solar systems.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781326485115

Book preview

The Vinctalin Legacy: Retaliation, Book 6 the Veekeren Element

The Vinctalin Legacy: Retaliation, Book 6 the Veekeren Element

Vanda M Denton

The Vinctalin Legacy Retaliation: Book 6 The Veekeren Element

© 2013 Vanda M Denton

All rights reserved by the author. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers and/or authors.

This book is published by and available from:

VinctalinBooks

www.vinctalin.com

ISBN Paperback: 978-1-326-43287-4

ISBN eBook: 978-1-326-48511-5

The Vinctalin Legacy

A series of novels by Vanda M Denton

The Vinctalin Legacy: Survival

Book 1: Harvest

Book 2: Sacrifice

Book 3: Spawning

The Vinctalin Legacy: Retaliation

Book 4: Infiltration

Book 5: Alliances

Book 6: The Veekeren Element

The Vinctalin Legacy: The Ovinka

Book 7: Zondex

Book 8: The Message

Book 9: Veekeren

The Vinctalin Legacy: 0.0015%

Book 10: Alien

Book 11: Integration

Book 12: 0.00075%

The Vinctalin Legacy: Awakening

Book 13: Covert Operations

Book 14: Miss Kitty

Book 15: Humanity

The Vinctalin Legacy

The story so far:

Survival

The Vinctalin arrived in the night, gassing the entire planet with the intention of harvesting it for many commodities, including human organs. The survivors of Earth were enslaved by a human-looking army under the leadership of an Emperor, in order to aid in the harvest. When they realised they were to be killed off at the end of the harvest the Earth Humans, led by Jonathan Trad-Williams and SAS veteran Benjamin Stanzini (Stanzi), rebelled, capturing the Emperor and slaughtering his Vinctalin masters. The surviving Earth Humans took their prisoners to hide in a town away from London. Large numbers of Guards also arrived there unaware of the existence of a truly alien species known as the Vinctalin, who ruled them through the Emperor. But with no Emperor now to control them, the Guards fought one another and in so doing infuriated other Vinctalin harvesting far-flung sectors of the world. With their clan chief, Halbolival, out of reach of communications the lower ranked Vinctalin on Earth slaughtered all of the human-looking aliens that had travelled here with them, except for the Emperor and a few members of his family who had secretly been captured by the Earth Humans. With few trained Guards surviving from the alien ‘human’ army the heroes of Earth were forced to battle the beasts themselves. It was a fight they could not win. However, there was a miraculous eleventh-hour rescue by another group of alien humans: the Disciples, led by Mettle. Long after the bulk of the Halbolival clan moved on, ignorant of the insurgency on Earth, the human rebels found themselves working almost as slavishly for their rescuers as they had under Vinctalin rule. The few survivors out of the Vinctalin slaves were released from captivity with a view to making use of them. Their powerful bio-engineered Emperor (Pakow Lam Fellen) discovered they and their rescuers were in grave danger from a spawning left by Halbolival. They realised they had been deceived by Mettle. They were to be the bait in a trap that would bring the Vinctalin hatchlings to Foundation, the town Mettle had moved them to. Working together with the Emperor they turned the tables on Mettle, making his Disciples the bait that enabled them to kill two hundred new Vinctalin.

Book 4 Retaliation/Infiltration

Mettle’s Home World was attacked by the Vinctalin and some of the refugees (calling themselves Advanced Humans) came to Earth, but they were not all they seemed to be. They tried to drug and recruit Earth Humans to fight in their never-ending war against the Vinctalin. Meanwhile Stanzi suffered the recurrence of an old complaint: PTSD. Alex (the psychiatrist Dr. Alexander Byefield) was obliged to employ unorthodox methods of treatment to cure him. He provided a therapeutic environment by taking the soldier out of the town and away from the toil and bustle thrust on the community by these new arrivals. Just as the Advanced Humans were close to attaining their goal, with only a few of the allies of Earth unaffected by their drugs, Pitlon Gowry (sister of Pakow Lam Fellen) fled the town to find Alex and Stanzi. Together they released their leaders from a state of suspended animation and reached the group living out of town that were to be the next targets of the Advanced Humans and their compliancy drug. The allies re-established control of Foundation and imprisoned the Leaders.

Book 5 Retaliation/Alliances

On discovering that Tyro Gallen (Pakow’s brother) had the implanted knowledge to facilitate safe conception to order, a number of couples decided to begin having children. Alex remained on Earth to take care of the expectant mothers while the majority of the Earth Humans joined forces with various groups of Advanced Humans for specialised operations. Pakow and his brothers aided King Resh, a leader from the Advanced Human Society, in the liberation of the AHS Home World, only to find that once that was achieved Resh planned to kill the Emperor. Prepared for that, Pakow isolated the King and provided proof of his betrayal. Stanzi went with Leader Tep and Commander Tarin to rescue Advanced Humans who were under attack on one of their refugee worlds: Pressin Vol. After bloody battles and very heavy losses they were successful in that endeavour. Jonathan Trad-Williams set off with Mettle to aid the Disciples in an attempt to prevent a Vinctalin spawning on a planet called Tosa. There Jonathan communicated with the slave Emperors left on that world to complete the harvest, and persuaded them to aid in the destruction of the hatchlings. Meanwhile on Earth a small rogue clan attacked with a view to starting their own empire of slave humans. Alex was tortured in an attempt to bio-engineer him into an Emperor. Pakow’s beloved partner was killed protecting their twins from those Vinctalin on Earth.

Introduction

These are the chronicles of a small group of iron-willed survivors who refuse to be used and enslaved by anyone from any sector of the Galaxy. With the expertise of a specialist in Vinctalin technology they expose the unscrupulous methods of some who would call themselves ‘friend’. These allies have good reason to increase the size of their army, but for the first time in their history they are forced to modify their methods of achieving that aim.

Retaliation is the second major story line within this series of tales taking us from the Vinctalin invasion of Earth, through ever more appalling discoveries to a resounding victory. Retaliation is presented in three parts. The Vinctalin Legacy Book 6 is an exciting account of a massive human counterattack. During preparation for a major assault on the home of the Vinctalin, the humans of Earth become aware of a mysterious influence in the Advanced Human Society: The Veekeren Element.

Prologue

Rolavio cursed its bad fortune and its poor heritage. They had slipped another rung in The Hierarchy.

There are only two placed between us and Castevitas! it spat.

Its second in command snarled. If there was any chance of beating its Chief in a dual it would consider making the challenge. It swore over the history that brought it to this place and time, as it bashed away carelessly at the pathetic so-called knowledge gained on the last mission.

We have only three claims remaining untouched. If we use another before it is ripe, we will never gain a technical advantage.

Halbolival is working on new Vinctalites. Old Courts and Empires will lose their value. We must be sure to be in a position to trade for one when that happens.

Castevitas claims to be making its own Vinctalites.

At last Rolavio had something to laugh about. I’ve been in that tower.

The Deputy sat up sharply. That was exactly the kind of reckless illegal act they were constantly penalized for. Rolavio hissed out its contempt for the Deputy that would never have the courage to challenge, or take such chances.

There has to be some advantage to leasing part of the Home World to that fool. It was weeks ago. As you can tell I was not discovered. Neither did I discover anything of value. Castevitas is incompetent beyond words. That tower of useless experiments is an abomination to any bio-engineer. Nothing will come of it.

Rogandilang grunted morosely. In the meantime we continue to share this useless sphere with those animals.

Rolavio fell back in its seat, depressed over the constant lack of progress.

Is there nothing else?

There is a rumour that Benjesrial has sent a scout ship to Sector 9."

The Chief scoffed, The Veekerens will be resurrected before anything that Benjesrial does has an effect on us.

It picked at its teeth with a talon, before adding with a sigh, Nothing else?

Vrenopilod claims to be harvesting an unclaimed world.

Bitterly Rolavio spat, They’ll have plenty to trade then.

The Deputy sat up with a start. The Veekerens!

Rolavio frowned. What value is there in ancient history?

Whilst getting straight to the tapping, its Deputy murmured, We have nothing to lose by checking the archives. Very few clans possess extensive historical data.

The Chief snarled sourly, That is because they wiped the useless knowledge from their banks millennia ago. The majority of it is nothing more than old lies and propaganda.

Well, Rogandilang sighed, it’s all we have. Unless you give me a better task I am going to research Veekerens.

Rolavio grunted its dismissal as it sank into gloomy daydreams of self-pity, regret and imagined revenge.

Chapter 1

They had detected the Vinctalin vessel on Earth’s surface, next to the town, long before they could land. They quickly established no live Vinctalin registered on their surveillance data, but that brought no real relief to Jonathan. Faith had shown him irrefutable proof that some Vinctalin at least, had stealth technology that could keep them hidden from AHS probes. He forced himself to be comforted by the fact that, for that clan, the ships also had been veiled. But he could not merely keep quiet and wait.

Any other Vinctalin ships showing up? he asked Dignity, in spite of knowing that if there had been, the Disciple would have made the announcement on the flight deck.

Already strapped into his seat, knowing the other Earth Humans and allies were strapped into theirs in the launch room, Jonathan was having a great deal of difficulty keeping his mouth shut. He believed the findings should be relayed to the rest of the crew but Triumph wanted to wait. Finally, Triumph and Stealth took their seats at the centre of the flight room and Jonathan knew they must be only ten minutes away now.

When Dignity began tapping at his console again, Jonathan stiffened, realising new data was coming in. The Disciple’s first two statements were only repetition of what Jonathan had already been told.

I am registering only one space faring Vinctalin vessel on the surface and there are no others in the vicinity of this solar system. No Vinctalin are being detected. Then Jonathan’s blood ran cold as Dignity added, There are seven new amber structures.

Jonathan drew in, and released, a long, slow, steadying breath. He was watching Dignity very closely, and when the Disciple’s back straightened, Jonathan’s eye took on a hard edge. Gritting his teeth in a clamped jaw, the Earth Human forced himself to wait for the report.

Dignity cleared his throat. I am picking up fragments of the evacuation ship.

Jonathan shot a glance across to Honesty sitting beside him. She appeared to be extremely worried. He checked out the side views of Stealth and Triumph. They held themselves rigidly alert, displaying only determination.

Jonathan couldn’t keep quiet. Do you have any data concerning the humans there?

Triumph frowned at his interference but Dignity replied briefly.

This system does not give exact numbers but it is detecting many humans.

Jonathan again drew in a long, deep breath, before letting it out slowly. It did nothing to reduce his rapid pulse rate, or to dry his palms.

Honesty’s voice, quieter than normal, announced five minutes to landing. Stealth began tapping the console he had raised from its home in the floor at his feet. Jonathan knew this would be to use the intra-ship communications. Stealth spoke into the sound system that would convey his orders to the Earth fighters and Disciples travelling with them. He braced himself for what would be a loud call. He scowled as he pictured Stanzi and the others getting their first indication that all was not well at home.

In a clear, steady voice, Stealth shouted, Do you pledge your lives to Mettle?

Stanzi would know that was a battle cry. He would be chewing bricks by now.

The other three Disciples in the flight room, along with those in various places on the ship, howled their reply.

We vow to die for Mettle!

Prepare to die for humanity! Stealth yelled.

Fearlessly we fight for our brothers and sisters, they bellowed.

Jonathan could picture Stanzi’s face accurately. He would have adjusted it to cold calculated battle readiness, thus conveying a message to the soldiers who would be watching him. His face would be telling them there is no time for fear or anger. Just get your mind clear for fighting.

Stealth began calmly imparting information and orders. There is evidence of renewed Vinctalin activity on the planet. The AHS evacuation ship has been destroyed, there is one space faring Vinctalin vessel and seven new amber structures. No Vinctalin are registering on our surveillance. Be prepared for veiling technology. Full armour must be worn by all personnel.

Within minutes of the front wall becoming transparent, and Jonathan watching his world sweep into view, the vessel was touching down with a jolt. In seconds, all Disciples but Dignity and Honesty, were heading for the little lockers in the wall behind Jonathan, and donning armour and helmets. Jonathan was no slower than the Disciples. Again, within a minute they were charging down the ramps, en masse, leaving their ship from many exits. Some spread out, some were bringing out smaller vessels, and some were heading for the Vinctalin ship.

Inside the ship they skidded to a halt. Zan banged her head when she tried to scrabble out from the place she had been working, beneath the main console on the far side of the room. When she heard Stealth’s voice she twisted around on the floor, holding her bruised forehead. She stared at the troop of Disciples for several minutes, as they stared back.

As you can see, Leader Zan quietly informed them, this planet is once again secure.

Throwing off his helmet and swearing foully, Stanzi turned on his heel and began sprinting to the town. He was rapidly followed by all Earth Humans but Jonathan, who helped Zan to her feet.

Is it safe in the town? he asked her urgently.

Perfectly, Zan replied.

He threw questioning eyes at Triumph, who nodded. Only then could he begin letting go of some of that terrible fear and tension. He turned to Leader Zan.

Well?

She explained. Twenty-five Vinctalin attacked. We fought back and won. I am investigating this new Vinctalin technology.

What casualties were sustained? he asked in agitation, trying hard not to comment on the woman’s personal shortcomings.

Twenty-nine killed. Zan was less composed now.

Twenty-nine! Jonathan cried. Because of her cool attitude he had begun to hope that by some miracle there had been next to no losses.

Who? His voice emerged barely above a whisper.

Zan straightened her back but was unable to quite achieve the detached composure she aimed for.

Mostly Zanists, she stammered.

Jonathan couldn’t think to commiserate with her loss. He had to know about his friends.

Alex?

No.

Caroline or Tani?

No.

Who?

Her composure slipped a little more. You will need to consult Kresha for the full list but of those whose names I can recall immediately, we lost Seeva Ree, Amy, Dawn, Ray and Craig.

Jonathan had gasped and gulped at each name. He had to sit.

I can’t believe it. We were so sure you were all safe.  He choked on the words.

Calmly, Triumph took his arm.

Come, she said quietly, leading him out to where Disciples were now organising scooters and medical equipment.

As soon as he entered the hotel, Jonathan’s ears were greeted with the distant sounds of a number of wailing babies. He and Triumph exchanged quick half smiles, before he leapt for the broad, sweeping staircase of the east wing. She followed Jonathan up the smaller staircase to the second floor, and into his familiar lounge.

Pitlon sat relaxed and composed in an armchair by the coffee bar, sipping coffee. She had watched from the big northern window, as the white Disciple’s ship set down, and the green-clad Disciples had charged, brandishing their weapons, knowing only Zan was on the Vinctalin vessel. Picturing Zan’s shock had brought a wicked grin to Pitlon’s face.

Over the past year, Jonathan had spent no time observing Pitlon in her torment, but he had been given regular, heart-rending reports from Alex. Now he gawped at the woman in amazement. Pitlon smiled back pleasantly.

Quietly she explained, Zan cured me.

Good heavens! Jonathan exclaimed. Alex must be ecstatic.

You’d think so, wouldn’t you? the regal woman responded caustically.

Where is he? Jonathan turned, ready to go straight to his friend.

Sit down, Pitlon ordered.

He turned back, and her expression gave him no choice but to stop and listen. Clearly there was something he needed to know. Now Pitlon placed her cup on the table and filled a fresh one for Jonathan, while she took a minute to think. Sitting opposite the Earth Human, with elbows on knees and hands clasped, she met his eyes seriously.

You seem well, he whispered, floundering amongst all the shocks hitting his heart and mind.

I am. I’ll explain later.

He nodded, and watched Pitlon struggle for words.

I’m relieved by your return, she confided more softly than Jonathan had ever known. She then proceeded to explain, between more of his horrified gasps and cries, some of what had been done to his friend. For now she omitted the part about his intended suicide mission and his fury with her and Zan. As she approached the end of her story, Jonathan noticed her attention being focused hostilely behind him. He swivelled in his chair, to see Zan returning the challenge.

Where is he? Jonathan kept his voice as steady as he could.

The two women continued exchanging silent antagonism.

Finally Pitlon had to admit they hadn’t seen him for more than twenty-four hours.

He isn’t in the hotel, and no one has tracked him down in the town.

Have you checked the roof? he asked.

When Pitlon set off for the door, he called her back.

Please, he said kindly, seeing her genuine concern. It will be better if I go alone.

Once again the women glared at one another. Jonathan heaved out another huge sigh. He wouldn’t even try to think what those two could have found to fight over. All he cared about right now was finding his friend.

Alex was slumped against the big water tank, staring at the heavy clouds in the sky. Jonathan crouched before him, studying the dark, haunted eyes, and the new lines etched around his handsome mouth. When Alex allowed his eyes to focus on his friend, they filled with tears that he had no strength to stop. As the big tears began to slide silently down his ashen cheeks, Jonathan wrapped the blanket around his friend and held him close in his arms.

After some considerable time, becoming more aware of reality, Alex dragged himself up into a more dignified position.

While both men found corners of the blanket with which to wipe away their tears, Alex’s broken voice was asking, Where were you?

Tosa, Jonathan explained reasonably.

I looked for you, Alex sobbed. I heard your voice.

My dear friend, Jonathan choked, I am so sorry, but I am here now.

And for the next hour Jonathan murmured comforting responses to all of the doctor’s expressions of fear, shame, pain and abandonment. When the clouds thickened further and the sky darkened, Jonathan continued to hold his friend in his arms. And when the rain fell he did not suggest moving, knowing that Alex was too distressed even to notice the drenching. He spoke quietly, listened intently, and comforted, until Alex himself wanted to move.

As they emerged from the narrow utility stairwell into Alex’s familiar corridor, Jonathan noticed Pitlon pull Zan around the corner and out of sight, before Alex could see them. So far Jonathan had heard only about the torture he’d suffered. He wouldn’t give a moment’s thought to other troubles. This time, at least, his friend had told him the worst straight away.

When Jonathan returned to the doctor’s room with hot food Alex was leaving the bathroom, wearing only a towel around his waist. The older man openly examined the long, thin scars on his young friend’s back and chest before tucking him up in bed, and placing the tray on his lap.

Is there a sedative or something you should take? he asked the doctor.

Alex stared at the food, shaking his head sadly. In the end Alex ate only because Jonathan fed him and finally he settled down to sleep. Jonathan watched for a few minutes, terribly worried that there was even more wrong here than he could immediately tell.

This time when the Earth Human appeared in the hallway Pitlon was standing close by and Zan further back. As soon as they were told he was sleeping Zan disappeared and Pitlon asked him to join her for supper.

Neither attempted conversation as they descended the four flights of stairs. On crossing the entrance lobby Jonathan responded to the subdued greetings of adults who would once again be re-organising foster care for bereaved children.

They found the dining room occupied by only a few though someone had prepared a choice of wholesome foods.

How long has he been like that? Jonathan asked, taking his seat in a corner of the dining room with Pitlon.

As soon as the last baby was delivered he took to his bed. By the time we’d cleared everything and checked everybody, he’d locked the door. We’ve all tried talking to him, taking him food and so on. That was nine days ago. Pitlon hardly looked up from her plate. Yesterday morning he’d gone.

Hasn’t he even visited the babies?

Pitlon cleared her throat before replying quietly, No.

Jonathan repeated what Alex had told him about the torture and asked if anything else had been done to his friend. So now Pitlon had to tell him the rest. When Jonathan’s fork clattered to his plate, all other diners turned to look.

The Earth Human glanced up to see Zan talking to Triumph and Stealth. She must be telling them of their plight. Still he could summon no real sympathy for the people Zan had lost. He decided, after hearing all this, that an hour was long enough to leave Alex alone and went back to check on him.

There was no response to the knock on the door, so Jonathan let himself in. He found his friend lying flat on his back, staring at the ceiling.

Gently, Jonathan enquired, How are you feeling?

Alex scrabbled up into a sitting position, fearfully pulling the bedclothes around his body for protection. Clearly he’d not heard Jonathan enter the room.

My dear friend, Jonathan sighed. There was no recognition in the doctor’s eyes.

When he took a couple of steps forward Alex shrank back against the pillows, begging to be left alone and promising to do anything.

I’ll make them obey, he spluttered. I can, I promise.

Jonathan tried to make his friend recognise him but he was seeing a different face before him. As Jonathan spoke quietly, firmly trying to bring Alex back to this time and place, the doctor’s expression began to change. At last he recognised the man addressing him. The fear in Alex’s face turned suddenly into hatred.

Viciously he hissed, I don’t need help from you or anyone! It took a sodding long time, but finally I learned. You’re all bloody traitors. You’ll do anything to achieve your own selfish ends, and sod me. After all I’ve done for you, no one was there for me!

Jonathan tried to apologise and explain.

Get out! Alex shouted. You can’t lie to me any more. You’ve all used me in every way you can. Well, not any more. Now I know. He jabbed a finger at the opal implant. Now I have the knowledge, and you can’t do anything else to me!

And with that the doctor burrowed deep into the covers, wrapping them tight around him, and over his head. Even covered by all the bedclothes, Jonathan could see the violent trembling in that lost and terrified body.

No, he breathed denial he thought he’d put behind him when he first decided to fight back, refusing yet to acknowledge a black truth that threatened to engulf him.

Chapter 2

Alex was unaware of the deteriorating state of his mental and physical health. He was confused, and able to focus only for minutes at a time. And he was certain everyone here was out to get him. Jonathan had tried to persuade him to get washed, dressed and ‘go outside for fresh air’. Alex knew he had enemies outside of this room. He would not be so easily fooled into leaving it. He had stared defiantly at the man who was trying to persuade him to eat contaminated food, and having failed in that, had tried to make him leave this safe haven. When Jonathan left, Alex locked the door, threw the poisoned food out of the window and shut the curtains, so they couldn’t spy on him. Then he climbed back into the safety of his bed.

Perhaps I could try, Pitlon suggested doubtfully.

She was not afraid of Alex’s almost certain rejection. She simply didn’t want to add to his torment. Jonathan heaved out an angry, sharp breath.

You won’t do any more harm than anyone else, was the best he could say.

Jonathan was devastated. Of all the horror he had witnessed, and the appalling losses he had overcome, this seemed the cruellest blow. He thumped the arm of his chair in furious frustration. When he brought his friend in from the roof yesterday Jonathan felt that nothing worse could happen. He had comforted himself with the belief that they had faced hell, and survived. He’d been so sure that all he had to do was be there for Alex. It would be hard but in time his friend would heal. He had not doubted it. How could it possibly have turned into this?

Pitlon placed fresh coffee in front of him and patted his shoulder.

I’ll try. She held out no real hope.

Alex heard the door handle rattle, and smiled sneakily.

‘They didn’t expect me to lock them out,’ he thought, as he snuggled deep into his pillows.

Pitlon expertly picked the lock and stepped quietly into his room.

When Alex realised someone had managed to get in he turned over in fear-fuelled anger, shouting, Get out!

Pitlon folded her arms, stood firm, and regarded the doctor with serious eyes.

Sitting up furiously, dragging all the bedclothes tightly around his soft, vulnerable body, he screamed at the witch to sod off out of my room!

When the crafty cow made no move to attack him straightaway, Alex’s speedy mind began to suppose that she had more subtle plans for his destruction.

Leaning back against the pillow, now alert to her malevolence, and feeling one step ahead, he said, If you won’t leave, come over here. Let’s explore some of the things we never got around to.

You’re ill Alex, she told him plainly.

Wouldn’t you like me to believe that! he spat.

Pitlon took up the seat she had occupied more than a week ago, when he told her he never would forgive her. Now she realised he was probably more ill then, than she had known.

You need to speak to someone, she told him quietly.

Ignoring that, he leaned forward intently, saying, Come on. Let’s have some fun, Pitlon.

Holding his gaze benignly, she responded with sorrow, I don’t want you like this, darling.

Darling! he shrieked, You want everyone. You get your pleasure from any perversion. Why deny me a piece of the action!

Pitlon’s eyes widened in shock. How could he have turned into this? She had never before known a man so placid. He had shown her the wonders of tenderness. She had never heard a cruel word leave his mouth. She swallowed hard as she thought how much easier it was to endure Pakow’s harsh punishments, than to be slashed to ribbons by his terrible tongue.

That isn’t even true, she whispered.

Alex’s eyes narrowed, as he observed the temptation before him. She wore a smart, blue linen dress. She had her shapely legs crossed, and her pretty hands clasped together in her lap. Her beautiful, big, aquamarine eyes, met his openly. If she would not come to him, he might just have to go over there and get her.

As he leant forward to make the move, she tossed her bristled head menacingly, and the jewels encrusted there caught the light of the lamp. Suddenly he remembered the danger. He fell back in terror, clutching his blankets desperately. Now tears sprang into Pitlon’s eyes, as she became aware that she had frightened him.

Darling, I would never hurt you. Her soft, tremulous voice broke as she pleaded, Alex my love, please let me help you.

His terrified, blood-shot eyes had darted from her face to the door, as if he were trying to weigh up the chances of escape. When she stood, he dived under the blankets, shaking violently, moaning and crying. She had done exactly what she most wanted to avoid. She had added to his torment. Pitlon wept as she stepped out into the hall, closing the door quietly, so as to not frighten him further.

I reckon there must be a bloody good reason why you buggers are ignoring my son, Stanzi declared proudly striding into the lounge with his new, tiny baby.

Jonathan and Pitlon looked up mildly.

I’m afraid I’ve seen enough babies to last me a life-time, Pitlon replied coldly.

Jonathan apologised for the neglect, as he stood to get a better view of the new arrival.

So, what the hell’s going on? Stanzi demanded to know.

Pitlon strode over to the window. She kept her back to them, staring bleakly at the damp garden, through the mist in her eyes.

He’s quite beautiful, Jonathan tried to muster a smile. What are you calling him?

Benjamin, Stanzi announced merrily. What the hell else would I call him?

It’s so good to see you happy, Jonathan told his friend sincerely.

I was going to take him to see Alex, but Caroline said I should check with Pitlon first.

Stanzi watched her back. She neither spoke nor moved.

So, Stanzi eyeballed Jonathan meaningfully, what the hell’s going on? You haven’t even been to see Rachel.

She’s doing fine by the way, He added pointedly. Dan’s like a dog with two tails.

I’m glad. Jonathan managed another smile, as he sank wearily into his chair.

Stanzi took up the seat opposite, very carefully adjusting the baby’s position in his great, strong arms. Now Jonathan produced a genuinely happy smile.

No problems, I take it? he asked.

He’s a Stanzini, what do you expect? Of course he caused hell and all bloody problems! Stanzi laughed happily. Hasn’t Alex told you?

Jonathan shook his head.

He only had to do a caesarean, the soldier laughed.

Looking across to Pitlon’s back he elaborated. Pitlon helped. They performed the operation together on that bloody ship. Apparently it went like clockwork. Caroline’s fine: neatly stitched, of course. Chang’s gone searching for a wheelchair, but we don’t know if she can get up yet.

Stanzi’s joy was beginning to fade. Clearly someone had not told him something. He had watched the shock on Jonathan’s face when the operation was mentioned and he’d noted a complete lack of response from Pitlon.

If you don’t bloody tell me, I’ll have to find out for myself.

How much has Caroline told you? Jonathan asked.

All about all the babies and Pitlon’s miraculous recovery. Nothing about the Vinctalin, he complained.

Well, Jonathan smiled, she didn’t want to spoil this.

Stanzi, for what felt like the millionth time, observed his baby in amazement and awe. He had been entirely unprepared for these new emotions. He’d never realised how big and powerful this feeling of love would be.

May I? Jonathan held out his arms for the baby. Stanzi was surprised he would want to hold him. He had shown no previous desire to be personally involved in the care of any of the children. Stanzi was also surprised by his reluctance to let anyone else hold him but he wouldn’t allow a split second’s thought over the last time he let go of one so precious.

Come on, said Jonathan. I have had my own, you know.

Jonathan wouldn’t tell him the real reason for taking the baby, but he did note how very much he’d had learnt from Alex. Little Benjamin would feel the anger and sorrow in his father’s body, when Jonathan told him what he had to know. The tiny baby continued to sleep soundly as his father began pacing the room, his body becoming more rigid, and his fists tighter with every new detail. Jonathan told him all that Alex had described to him before his final collapse. Then he watched the soldier’s face turn from fury at the injustice of the torture, to a knowing misery over the description of the doctor’s present state of mental ill health.

Bloody gits! he shouted, waking the baby with a start.

Now Stanzi was mortified to realise why Jonathan had taken little Benjamin from him.

I’ll take him back to Caroline. Jonathan stood. Then we’ll talk some more.

Stanzi took a couple of steps with the intention of reclaiming