Penalty

"What's the matter with you?"
      Kiraz scowled at the Hassinan.
      "What d'you mean?"
      Pirum inclined her head, fixing him with that smugly impudent smirk he hated.
      "You haven't heard a word I've said for the last half hour - and you've nearly worn a hole in the fur, pacing like that!"
      He growled at her.
      "Nothing's wrong…"
      "He and Ry raped 'raadiin last night. He's a little worried about the repercussions." 'selaan spoke abstractedly, his eyes on his monitor.
      "He did what!?" Pirum's eyes were wide and horrified.
      "Wasn't like that…" the Saiyan muttered, feeling his face redden. The zn'hre raised his head.
      "You and Ry forced him to have sex with you - and you both fucked him. What else would you call it?"
      "But… he enjoyed it!"
      'selaan frowned.
      "His body responded to the stimulation, as any zn'hre's would. That does not mean he enjoyed the experience.
      Kiraz sank down onto a floor cushion and rubbed his face.
      "Oh fuck."
      'selaan raised an eyebrow.
      "Quite."
      "I'm dead."
      "Obviously not. Yet, at any rate."
      Pirum giggled. Kiraz never could tell when 'sel was joking or being serious, and the puzzled frown on the Saiyan's face never failed to amuse her.
      The thought of it though, Kiraz and Ry forcing 'raadiin, the mental image of that powerful blue body writhing under them, had an unforeseen effect on her. She felt herself becoming aroused.
      But that was a dreadful reaction to have! she chided herself. She might not like 'raadiin very much, but to be violated like that… she shivered. Kiraz eyed her narrowly.
      "You like that idea? You do, don't you?"
      Blushing with embarrassment, Pirum ignored him, turning instead to her study mate.
      "Why, 'sel? Why do zn'hre bodies respond like that?"
      He sat back from his monitor and regarded her thoughtfully.
      "As far as we've been able to work out, it's partly a way to make the way we were treated, historically, more bearable…"
      She nodded: rape would be, if not any more acceptable, at least easier to endure if the enslaved zn'hre got some pleasure out of the experience.
      "… but we believe, also, that it's a fact of life for the zhaneer. Their bodies are simply more… sensitive, more sensual, than many other species. The extraordinary complexity of the sex organs and the sheer number of nerves that serve them argues that sexual activity is of great importance to them. And of course, Zha'zhasaan passed that on to his descendents."
      Pirum nodded slowly. She knew from her own experience that 'selaan was extraordinarily receptive to any kind of stimulation, and that when aroused it was difficult for him to focus on anything else - though being 'sel he was training himself to control his reactions. Fair enough, the Saiyans were pretty easily aroused too, but with them it was partly their highly responsive sense of smell and the reactions of others to them personally, whereas she only had to stroke 'sel's neck and he got hard…
      And thinking of that… The suite was empty and would be for an hour or so… She knelt behind the zn'hre, brushing aside the fall of bright green hair and kissing the side of his neck: he shivered, his head rolling back and to the side to give her greater access. She grinned and nipped his jaw gently.
      "Shall we?"
      A slightly shaky "yes" had her standing, helping him to his feet. She glanced at Kiraz, who was watching, licking his lips. Her words were to 'sel, though her eyes remained fixed on the Saiyan's face.
      "Shall we invite Kiraz-sama to join us?"
      She slid her hands down and into his bodysuit before he could reply, one hand stroking a rigid inkei, the other's fingers teasing his mound. He leaned back against her, quivering, his whispered reply almost unintelligible… Pirum smirked at the Saiyan.
      "You can watch."
      He growled.
      "Fuck that!"
      Her eyes hardened.
      "Not sure we want you touching us after what you did."
      He would have objected, but the memory silenced him; wordlessly he followed them into 'their' room. Well, if nothing else he could always pleasure himself - watching Pirum and 'selaan together was always… arousing…
      And never more than when Pirum was on top, straddling the zn'hre's groin, his hands kneading her breasts, fondling her nipples… Kiraz swallowed and slid his hands into his bodysuit, sliding up and down the length of his erection, cupping his balls, breath coming in gasps.
      Pirum reached behind her, twisting slightly to stroke 'sel's mound as he lowered one hand to tease her own nub, stroking gently then rubbing as she gasped and began to move faster, sliding rhythmically up and down the dark blue inkei throbbing within her…
      'selaan had more control the second time, managing to wait until he felt the quivering of her internal muscles that indicated she was about to climax, then ramming up into her sharply, his own orgasm shuddering through him as Pirum collapsed to lie over his chest, panting harshly.
      "... sinam…"
      Kiraz growled as he came, aching to be inside one or other of them… but an innate sense of fairness quietly pointed out - much to his disgust - that he could hardly blame them. After all, 'selaan and 'raadiin were brothers, and he knew all too well how close the family was, how protective of its members.
      But fuck he hated doing himself!
      'sel stretched languidly, hands stroking leisurely down the Hassinan's smooth golden body, raising a shiver.
      "…mmmm… Pi-chan…"
      She sighed happily and eased his still rigid inkei from her body, rolling to lie close to him and kissing his smooth cool shoulder - then glanced over to Kiraz.
      "You've never been fucked, have you?"
      "Of course not!"
      The young Hassinan smirked at 'sel, whose eyes had widened.
      "You should let 'sel…"
      It was as far as she got. With a growl the Saiyan pulled himself upright and backed towards the door, shaking his head violently.
      "No way. No fuckin' way!!"
      He exited the room swiftly, Pirum's "coward!" floating after him. She snuggled back down against the zn'hre, who was pensively running a fingertip up and down his erection. He smiled at her curious expression.
      "'raadiin and Ry had skinbeads fitted last night…"
      She stared at his moving hand, then smirked.
      "Oh?"
      He nodded.
      "Kiraz was with them, but changed his mind at the last minute."
      She tucked that bit of information away, to bring out later when she felt like baiting the Saiyan, then leaned forwards to kiss 'selaan's inkei.
      "Are you going to get some?"
      He quivered, then pursed his lips.
      "I think it's a very good idea."
      Pirum grinned and began to lick him…

Satisfied, Vinas nodded his head, eyes on the monitor screen.
      "It's all proceeding splendidly, Ti'aasaan-san. Though I still don't know why!" He eyed the little zn'hre narrowly. "How do you feel?"
      Ti'aasaan grinned, reaching for Zorun's hand.
      "I feel fine. Better than fine."
      "You're eating well?"
      The zn'hre nodded.
      "Yes. More than with any other hosting, but I assume that's the Saiyan half of the mix!"
      Zorun reddened slightly. He still felt a little awkward accompanying his bondmate to these checkups - the other biotechs at the labs tended to regard him either with a touch of awe or as some kind of intriguing medical specimen - but he really did want to make sure everything was all right. And he was beginning to wonder what the hostling would look like. They already knew he'd have a tail - but what about everything else? Would he take after his Saiyan or his R'ren'nkh'ian parent?
      The King's Guard, rather to his surprise, found himself eager to know.
      They walked back to the palace, Ti'aasaan's arm around the Saiyan's waist, Zorun's tail around his zn'hre's waist and arm over his shoulders. Half-way there they met Zha'haarak, Kinu and 'jau at either side and Merica at his back: the gentle zn'hre had taken mid-day meal with his bondmate and was now returning for a short ki-massage session. The dance lessons had made a difference to his hip, but it still troubled him, and Tane and Dari still attended him regularly. Kinu flew up to sit on his papa's shoulder, tail wrapped around his neck, then reached to stroke Ti'aasaan's plaits.
      "'S he all right?"
      Zorun nodded as the little zn'hre smiled up at the hybrid.
      "He's fine, zvi'ch. Healthy, growing well."
      Kinu grinned happily.
      "S'good." He glanced at 'jau, who'd risen to perch on his maazi's shoulder, but using ki to support his own weight; he didn't want to make maazi too tired. "'Nother hostling to play with!"
      'jau sighed happily.
      "Uhuh. What's his name, maaziSaan?"
      "Ti'vaasaan." Ti'aasaan stopped and stared up at Zorun, eyes startled. "Uh, where did that come from?"
      'jau giggled.
      "S'what he wants to be called!"
      Zorun mock-frowned.
      "Don't I get a say?"
      Ti'aasaan beamed widely and snuggled against his side.
      "Looks like neither of us do!"

Zh'leet was waiting for them, a light snack already prepared. Zorun seated himself beside his bondmate and offered a platter of seared meat strips to both zn'hre - mock-glaring as 'jau snuck a hand between them and grabbed a chunk of meat for himself and Kinu.
      "Shouldn't you two be in class?"
      'jau hid behind his maazi, and Kinu giggled.
      "Um… we should, really…"
      Zorun hauled himself to his feet and held out his hands.
      "Come on…"
      Laughing happily, the little bondmates swung from his hands as he escorted them back to their afternoon lessons.
      Zha'haarak chuckled as the door closed, then laid a hand gently on Ti'aasaan's shoulder.
      "How are things?"
      Ti'aasaan eyed him for a moment - then snuggled into his side, sighing.
      "Well."
      A moment's silence, then Zha'haarak frowned.
      "Truly?"
      It was frustrating having to ask, but the little zn'hre had learned from Jeice how to shield - it made it easier to keep Zorun's psyche private - and rarely lowered his defences these days. He nodded.
      "Truly. We are - balanced."
      "Happy?"
      That was not so easy to decide. He leaned his head against the prince's shoulder, eyes half-closing.
      "Not happy, exactly… Content. Satisfied. It is enough."
      Zha'haarak hugged him.
      "Are you sure?"
      "Yes, I'm sure."
      The gentle zn'hre wasn't sure he believed it, but certainly had no intention of making life more difficult for Ti'aasaan…
      "Ti'zheenan's still worried."
      The change of subject made Zha'haarak blink, then he sighed.
      "Suguri is still insisting he won't share?"
      "Yes. And 'jiisa says Fa'saayen is being equally intractable." He sighed. "I don't know what to suggest."
      "We can't interfere."
      "Not without making the situation worse. The Ssii'iin could order them to make their peace, but he's reluctant to do that."
      Zha'haarak nodded. Zha'haabron really did not want to dictate his people's personal lives, much preferring them to sort out their own problems if possible - which did not mean he couldn't and wouldn't take direct action if it proved necessary.
      "Then we will just have to hope for the best. At least the hostlings won't be caught in the middle. And we'll be here to… what is it Leteetza says? 'Pick up the pieces'? if need be…"

Ti'aasaan had mentioned his desire, just in passing one evening, to visit the Alien Quarter, and today seemed like a good time: the weather was warm, the little zn'hre was in good spirits and eager for a little exercise, Zorun had downtime - and wanted to get his bondmate a present. Jewellery, he thought: Ti'aasaan liked jewellery. He suggested the trip as he returned to the family's suite after dropping off the brats with Ubi, and Ti'aasaan's eyes lit up.
      "Oh, I'd like that!"
      Zorun smiled.
      "In that case, lets make sure you're warm enough and we'll head off."
      Zh'leet had fussed around both the zn'hre, making sure Zha'haarak was comfortably settled before the ki-healers started work, and nagging Ti'aasaan into a warmer bodysuit and jacket before allowing him out of her sight. Zorun was of the opinion her behaviour was altogether too familiar, but his bondmate had pointed out she'd been with the family since before the hostlings were born, she had certain entitlements…
      Zorun flew to the outskirts of the Alien Quarter with Ti'aasaan in his arms, then swung him to his feet and took his hand. The little zn'hre was quietly delighted: it had taken the big Saiyan a while to feel comfortable with the tiniest public show of affection (the well-meant but crude jests of his fellow elite warriors didn't help) but now… It was comforting, the zn'hre's small cool hand almost swallowed up by the broad warm one. Zorun bent to murmur quietly,
      "Are you looking for anything in particular?"
      "Jeice has an idea for some new costumes, apparently, according to 'tiisaan. They're looking for some new fabric for them."
      Well that was fine: there was a whole large block of the market dedicated to materials from almost every world in the Empire and quite a few that weren't. They made their way there first…
      … and two hours later Ti'aasaan finally declared himself finished.
      Zorun's eyes were aching from looking at bolt after bolt of fabric, in every colour and combination imaginable: silks so fine they were hardly there but which shimmered like starlight when the sun caught them; heavier metallic weaves, and several that looked like animal skins or scales but were tissue-thin and velvety-smooth... The little zn'hre had arranged for a selection to be sent to the Academy, along with threads and beads and various trimmings, and then turned to his Saiyan with a satisfied grin.
      "That should keep them going for a while!"
      Zorun inconspicuously stroked his face.
      "Are you tired yet?"
      Ti'aasaan gave the question due consideration and shook his head.
      "I feel peckish though. Could we see what's on offer with the food merchants?"
      The idea was very appealing to Zorun too, and they meandered through the specialist produce section, tasting a sweet and gooey confection here, a spicy ball of rice and meat - at least, they thought it was meat - there, slices of a strange new fruit elsewhere. It was relaxing, and thoroughly pleasurable, and it wasn't until an hour later that Zorun realised, with a shock, that of course he'd done this before - with Mahrayne…
      But this was different, he told himself - realising that that was quite true. It was less exciting, yes - but also strangely restful. Ti'aasaan didn't ask questions - admittedly he didn't need to, he'd kept himself apprised of the simpler events in the Empire, like which species' had joined and what they looked like - and was content to walk with his Saiyan, enjoying the time together rather than diving off exploring…
      Zorun forced down the sudden pain of memory and cupped his bondmate's chin in one hand.
      "Come with me…"
      He remembered his way back to the fine jewellery merchants' area of the market, and led the little zn'hre into a shop he hadn't seen the last time he was here. It was pleasant inside, the lighting gentle without being dim, and a beautiful assortment of different jewelled adornments displayed to best advantage. The owner, an Estroin, smiled as they entered, murmuring a greeting but otherwise leaving them to examine his wares in peace.
      Ti'aasaan's eyes were wide.
      "This is all so beautiful! Look…"
      He carefully lifted a pair of earrings into the light, exquisitely lovely things of some kind of prismatic metal decked with tiny deep blue gemstones, then turned to a tray of bangles, delicate things in a variety of materials. But what really caught his eye was a display of finger-rings…
      He'd seen Mahrayne wearing finger-rings, of course, and knew Jeice sometimes sported them, but had simply never considered that he might wear them too. With Zorun at his back, and the shopowner hovering, ready to give assistance if it was needed, Ti'aasaan ran cool thin fingers over the tiny circles of metal and stone.
      One in particular caught Zorun's eye, a slender band of rich gold with alternating tiny green and blue gemstones around its circumference. He reached over his zn'hre's shoulder to lift it from the display, then gently took Ti'aasaan's hand and slid it onto each finger in turn until he found where it fitted best, comfortably but not so loose it would come off easily.
      Ti'aasaan had watched the Saiyan's face over his shoulder, lips parted and eyes wide, as Zorun gently but firmly finally settled it on the middle finger of his right hand. Zorun had looked so serious, so intent - yet relaxed. Not tense. The guard smiled slightly at the shopowner.
      "This one." He nuzzled Ti'aasaan's neck, *whispering*, *You can choose anything else you like, koibito - but I want you to have this…*
      Ti'aasaan wriggled his fingers: the ring was light, and smooth, and although it felt strange it didn't feel uncomfortable. He smiled up at Zorun, eyes very bright.
      **Zkai'da, it's beautiful. Thank you…**

They'd returned home soon after, Ti'aasaan having laughingly refused to choose anything else in the jewellers - though Zorun had noticed his expression as he caught sight of another pair of earrings that matched the finger-ring , and had already decided to return and pick them up tomorrow…
      Zh'leet grinned at the sight of the delicate little circle sparkling on Ti'aasaan's delicate little hand, and beamed up at the big Saiyan.
      "Ah, that's a fine choice! Suits you perfectly."
      Zha'haarak had been intrigued by the ring too, gently turning Ti'aasaan's hand this way and that to see how the light caught the jewels, then hugging the little zn'hre.
      "It's lovely."
      Ti'aasaan had laughed happily.
      "I'm sure Hi'ijaa would be happy to get one for you!"
      Zha'haarak smiled and shook his head.
      "No… I think I'll just admire yours..."

'leesaan was frustrated. Oh, not with the work he was doing, the amount he'd accomplished - that was all most satisfactory. But he still hadn't been able to work out the meaning of that cryptic phrase…
      The path to the ocean is in the stones.
      The way to Zhane is in the stones…
      What stones? Real stones? Some kind of physical marker somewhere? He'd questioned the Feeodoreeans who'd examined the zhaneer ship as closely as he knew how, but they hadn't found anything that could be considered stones, or rocks, or anything of the kind. Although of course the ship had suffered quite a lot of deterioration in the millennia that it had been waiting on the mountain-top. But if not there, then where?
      He shoved a hand through his dark green hair, tangling it even further: the bands holding it back from his face had pulled out long ago.
      Well, logic wasn't working. Let's try something more fanciful…
      Rocks. What were rocks? What different sorts of rocks were there? He let his mind wander…
      Outcrops on R'ren'nkh'ia, hollowed out, homes for the inhabitants, fingers pointing to the sky… Pointing home? He shook his head. No, they were natural features... Mountains on Vejiitasei, high and stately and topped with snow. And smaller, the boulders on the beach, sunwarmed and smooth, and the grains of sand beneath them - no, not sand, too small to be any kind of useful marker… The worked stone facing on the Academy's walls…

Decorative stones?

…. jewellery…

… Zha'zhasaan's jewellery, filled with stars…

He went completely cold, his breath frozen in his throat.

… stellar co-ordinates in a gemstone. A way home that you could wear…
He had to check it…

He very nearly screamed with frustration.

Zha'haabron had taken the jewellery to R'ren'nkh'ia with him.