Chapter 21

Chapter 21

The trip back to the Dome had been quick and rather wild as Zach, driving at top speed, had to dodge terrified people running about on the streets as other explosions split the air and sent smoke and particles skyward, only to rain back down on the streets. Ronan had held a groggy Lilly in his arms as he sat precariously in the back of the ground transport in the open cargo area, afraid that he and Lilly would be thrown out at every fast turn that Zach took.

Luckily, they made it safely back to the Dome without encountering any more resistance. But from the screams, shouts and explosions surrounding them, it was evident that Captain Zardo and his men were attacking the settlement and abducting every female they could find. Another reason Ronan decided to keep a tight hold on Lilly, she would be taken from him over his dead body.

Once back at the Dome, Ronan was met by Rugger, who escorted Ronan to the med center. Lilly, who was now fully awake, had protested that she was fine and should be put down, to which Ronan had angrily growled no and that she would be lucky if he didn’t lock her in their chamber. Arnal, who was preparing to leave to go treat Perrion, had been less than pleased at having a new patient until Ronan had shoved the data sheet at him and growled that Arnal had better take care of Lilly or else.

Ronan set Lilly on the empty bed as gently as if she were made of glass and gave her a hard, disbelieving look as she protested that she was fine and to stop fussing over her.

“I do not have time to treat her. Master Perrion is gravely ill. The fact that she is conscious shows she is not seriously ill.” Arnal protested in annoyance.

“Truly, I am fine now; it was just the heat of the street and the unexpected pain that made me faint. I just need something to drink, and I’ll be fine, besides you have more to worry about than me. I heard the explosions on the way back. The settlement is obviously under attack from Captain Zardo, judging by the fact that his men attacked us.” Lilly was still a little lightheaded, and her chest hurt a bit from where she’d been cut, but otherwise she was fine.

“You are with child, a fact that you kept from me,” Ronan growled and saw Lilly blanche. “We will discuss your reasons later; what is important is your health and that of my unborn children. Nothing is more important than you, don’t you understand that?” Ronan gently cupped Lilly’s face between his hands, shocked at just how small she was compared to him; his hands could easily wrap around her head. Yet she was as fearless as any of his warriors.

“While you were very brave to risk your life to save mine and Tyrell, I would have been destroyed if I had lost you. You are my hearts, don’t you realize that?” Ronan placed a gentle kiss on Lilly’s forehead and stepped back as Arnal slipped the plastic sheet Ronan had given him into a slot on the wall unit and flipped some switches.

“You know I am pregnant, and you’re not angry? I was afraid after what Eacha said.” Lilly paused when she saw Ronan scowl.

“What did Eacha say?” Ronan snarled, seeing Lilly’s face crumble and her eyes glisten with tears. Whatever Eacha had said to make his fearless little mate cry must have been horrible.

“Basically, that you would not want her baby because she is unworthy of you, and that the child would be some kind of freak. I changed his mind, of course, and let him know what a racist fool he was, that any male would be proud to have a female such as Lilly for his mate.” Cahir said stepping into the med center.

“Wait, Lilly is pregnant, and you said, children? That is wondrous news, and I agree with Cahir. Eacha is an idiot.” Rugger said as Arnal stepped away from his console and up to Lilly and Ronan.

“The scan says she is carrying twins, one male and one female, both in excellent health, and that Lilly is dehydrated and needs nutrients. I will make her a drink to fortify her, and then I must go. Master Perrion was poisoned, and I am trying to find an antidote.” Arnal stated.

“Poisoned, by what?” Tyrell demanded stepping into the med center.

“Is this not good news if he dies?” Rugger shrugged.

“No, it’s bad news with Cheng dead Laoni could take control of the Dome, and he is evil incarnate. I reviewed some of the security tapes just now and pulled one from last week, after I was told to escort Captain Zardo off the property Laoni stopped me. He said he wanted to have a private word with the Captain.” Tyrell gave a nod to Lilly and Arnal. “I was able to enhance the tape and hear some of the conversation between Laoni and Zardo. Laoni is working with Zardo to not only take over the Dome but to get Zardo females. We have to keep Perrion alive and find a way to protect ourselves and the females in the Dome from Laoni and Zardo. I also checked the tapes from last night and saw Laoni go into the storage shed with Cheng, only Laoni left.”

“What was he poisoned with?” Lilly inquired.

“The analysis came back as some kind of native plant, but I am at a loss as to how to make an antidote I don’t know the plants that well,” Arnal replied shaking his head.

“But I do, I have been studying and using the plants since I arrived to make medicines and to help keep me alive. On Earth, there is a saying that growing near every poisonous or toxic plant is its neutralizer. Perhaps the same is true here; show me the data you have on the poison, and I can help you.” Lilly offered.

“That is an excellent idea. But what of Laoni and the females here? I had my men escort all the clients in the Dome out and bring all the females to the dining hall for safety. I was about to look for Laoni, but I wanted to check on Lilly first and thank her for earlier.” Tyrell said, nodding to Lilly.

“I am well, truly, and you are welcome,” Lilly replied as Ronan slipped a protective arm about her waist.

“That’s good; I will need your help, Ronan, as well as that of every male in the Dome, to defend us. At the moment, I have the doors locked, and I ordered several of my men to build barricades, but they won’t last long if Zardo is using explosives and blasters. But I could use your help and your advice, Ronan.” Tyrell said, looking at Ronan.

“Why my help?” Ronan demanded with a frown. He didn’t wish to leave Lilly’s side now that he knew she was with child.

“Arnal, can you excuse us for a moment?” Tyrell said, and Arnal frowned in obvious annoyance.

“Fine, I shall fetch Lilly a restorative drink,” Arnal, mumbling curses under his breath, stormed past Rugger and Cahir and out of the med center.

“I am not a fool or blind, Ronan, I know you are some kind of leader and that Eacha, Rugger, and Cahir served under you. I used to watch all of you on vids from the fighting pits; all three of you were trained to fight. I need that expertise right now to help protect the females as well as us.” Tyrell said, giving Ronan a nervous smile. “Look, I have Cheng’s key and passcode to the collars. I am prepared to remove them for your men and after everyone is safe, to look the other way if you all happen to escape. Perrion is dying. If he lives, I can easily convince him that you were all killed in the attack. What do you say will you help me? I can’t get you off the planet, but I can at least set you all free.”

Ronan exchanged looks with Cahir and Rugger, who nodded. “Agreed, Rugger, go find Eacha and tell him I would speak with him, then go help with building the defenses. Cahir go to the communications center and find out all you can about how large an attack force there is, where they were last seen, and the like.”

“You should evacuate the Dome,” Lilly said as Arnal stepped back into the room with a glass pitcher containing a bright orange-colored liquid and a glass.

“I would, but we have no place to go and no way out. If we leave the Dome, we will be on the streets and easy to pick off. Our best chance is to defend the Dome; it’s only a matter of time before Zardo and his men make their way to us by the reports they are working their way through all the centers taking the females and killing any male that gets in the way.” Tyrell stated, earning nods of agreement from Rugger and Cahir.

“Yes, but I didn’t mean to go out the front gate or even the side door. I discovered a secret utility tunnel that leads under the wall and away from the Dome into a concrete bunker in the wasteland about a mile from here,” Lilly replied, taking the glass of orange liquid from Arnal.

“You what?” Tyrell demanded spinning to face her.

“I found a tunnel; the entrance is in the woods beyond the garden. I have been having the bots work to reinforce it and clear away the debris every night while everyone is asleep. I was keeping it a secret so that.” Lilly couldn’t exactly admit she’d planned to use it so the others could escape.

“So that Ronan could escape, you need not say it. If I’d known about such a tunnel, I too would have used it to escape. Exactly how big is this tunnel?” Tyrell replied, giving Lilly a questioning look.

Lilly took a sip of the orange drink and was pleased to find it tasted pleasantly like lemonade. Despite her protests she was still a bit woozy and was hoping the drink would help. “It is rather tall, tall enough for a ground transport to drive through, as is the bunker at the end. I think at one time it was used as a vehicle utility shed.”

“That is wonderful, we can use it as a means to escape if the gate or wall is breached,” Tyrell replied as his com unit beeped loudly.

“Captain, this is Zach. I found Laoni, or rather, he found me. He just tried to get into master Perion’s chamber, as you instructed I and the others refused him entry. He is waving a pistol at us and threatening us. What should I do?” Zach demanded, in the background came the of voices raised in anger.

“I’m on the way, try to prevent him from going in, but not at the risk of your own lives,” Tyrell replied, and then turned back to Ronan. “Well, can I get your help?”

“Yes, as long as you promise that no matter what happens, Lilly is safe as are my men,” Ronan stated, holding Tyrell’s gaze with his own till the blue male nodded.

“Agreed.” Tyrell turned to go, and Lilly waved her left hand to stop him.

“Wait, I have a way of helping us that would keep the men safe and give us an advantage. In fact, it could deal with Laoni now.” Lilly said, setting her drink down on the table beside her.

“What are you talking about?” Ronan demanded. “What have you done?”

“We’ll all the bots are programmed to obey Lars and me without question. In addition, some of them have either laser cutters or flame throwers equipped to work in the garden. It would only take a moment to order them to attack Laoni. I know for a fact that there are at least three cleaning bots on that floor at all times.” Lilly said, and saw a twisted smile cross Ronan’s face.

“Do it now, and can you send any of the outside bots to help defend the gate and walls? Tyrell asked.

Lilly lifted her wrist unit and began typing commands into it. After a moment, she pressed the comm button. “Lars, this is Lilly. I’m sending all the bots to help defend the front gate and to assist Captain Tyrell’s men who are dealing with Laoni outside Master Perrion’s chamber. Can you watch over them? I have to help Arnal in the med center. I told the bots to attack any person with dark blue skin or a dark blue uniform or one they didn’t recognize.”

There was a brief crackle, then Lar’s voice filled the room. “Of course, I’m in the dining hall, but I will go upstairs at once. I’ll contact you if I need you.”

“I’ve sent the bots to attack Laoni; I labeled him a level-three threat and turned off the safety protocols. A level three threat is the same threat level as if one of the night beasts got in through the force field, which will make them keep attacking the target till it is unconscious or dead. The bots only have cleaning tools, but they should be attacking Laoni even as we speak.” Lilly stated earning appreciative grins from all the men present.

Tyrell shook his head ruefully. “You are a lucky male, Ronan, a very lucky male. I’m going to Perrion’s office, hopefully, he is conscious and can help us, or at least I can get into the central computer and take over the Dome’s systems. Ronan met me there as soon as you can.” Tyrell gave Ronan another smile as he flipped on his comm unit and ran out of the med center, telling his men to stand aside and let the bots attack Laoni.

“Rugger, come we, have our orders, we’ll meet you upstairs in Perrion’s office shortly, and you are indeed a lucky male, Ronan. And Lilly don’t think about what Eacha said, you are more than worthy to be Ronan’s wife and mate.” Cahir said before turning to go.

“Cahir is right, and I apologize if I was cruel to you. Cahir told me what Eacha said he was wrong to think what he has, much less to say it. I’ll go and find Eacha and let you and Ronan talk and congratulations to both of you.” Cahir gave Lilly a grin. “It truly is a miracle and wonderful news, you have brought hope to Rugger and me that we too shall find mates and have children.”

Before Lilly could thank Cahir, he was gone, leaving her alone with Ronan and Arnal.

“I’ll go pull up the analysis on that poison while you talk and finish your drink, once that glass is finished, drink another that is an order,” Arnal said, before walking away grumbling unintelligibly.

Once they were alone, Ronan cupped Lily’s face with his hands while he kissed her with all the longing and happiness he felt. If they had more time, if she were not recovering from being injured again, he would peel her scanty garments from her body and kiss every spot of her soft, pale skin. With regret, Ronan broke the kiss and stepped back from Lilly, seeing a small smile on her perfect pink lips.

“It is not the way of my people to say what is in here.” Ronan tapped his chest with his forefinger. “Or here.” Ronan tapped his head then. “But I have learned that it is important for your people to speak what they feel and think, so I will try to tell you what I feel. First, I am so proud of you; no male could ever want a braver or more cunning female. While your heart is big, you are a small female, and while I thank you for once again coming to my aid, if I had lost you, I would not want to live anymore. You have become my world.”

“I feel the same; that’s why I had to protect you, while I will always protect you.” Lilly protested. “You are all I have now, you are my home. My safe haven.”

Ronan sighed, lifting Lilly’s small hand in his much bigger one. “In the past, on my world, there were four times as many females as males, the females were tall and fierce, and they would fight to win a male, often to the death. And once mated, they would fight to protect their males and their children. You are such a female a fierce protector and loyal. I am honored to have your devotion, but again, you are small and weak compared to others. Let me fight for you, Lilly let me protect you and our children, and I vow to be more careful if only to keep you out of harm’s way. Do we have an agreement? Will you be more careful?”

Lilly was touched by Ronan’s words; once again, he was saying in his own way he loved her, and his words eased the pain in her heart. “I will if you also promise to be more careful, go, but you promise we will talk more.”

Ronan for answer, gently cupped Lilly’s small face with both hands, giving her a look so intense her heart melted, then he covered her lips with his for a deep, searing kiss that was all too brief. Ronan regretfully pulled away, and still cupping Lilly’s face, pressed his forehead to hers.

“Stay here and stay safe. I will return shortly, and then you will tell me why you kept my children a secret from me.” Rona pressed a kiss to Lilly’s forehead one last time and then hurried from the med center.

Lilly felt her heart slow as she watched Ronan walk away, despite the threat, everything would be all right for Ronan loved her and wanted the baby, no, the babies. Lilly pressed her hand to her abdomen as Arnal turned to give her one of his unreadable looks.

“Drink your juice, then come help me, despite your looks, I know that you are very intelligent and gifted,” Arnal said, giving her what was obviously a back handed compliment.

Lilly picked up her drink and took a long, slow drink, draining the glass, then poured herself a refill before easing from the table and walking slowly towards Arnal. The others were right as much as Perrion deserved to die; they needed him alive, and her conscience would bother her if they just let him die and did nothing. Besides they needed him to access the higher computer and security functions.

“Let me see what you have, and it will give me an idea of what plant it might be. If we know that, as I said, the natural antidote might be growing near it,” Lilly said, taking a sip of her drink and feeling her energy grow with each passing second.

Arnal nodded and flipped a switch on the console, bringing up a wall of data that Lily studied for a moment. “Do you have any other plant data for comparison?”

“A little, in truth, I hate to leave these chambers. I will show you what I have and then welcome any data you have,” Arnal said.

Lilly knew how Arnal felt; she’d been afraid to go outside those first few days. But once she’d learned to recognize the dangers and knew how to look out for them the wilds had lost their terror, and she’d come to love the freedom the wilds offered, and it had allowed her to find the ancient city and all the treasure it held.