Meadows of Heaven (15/23)

[epeeblade]

Chapter 15

Loretta couldn't imagine a more nerve racking 24 hours. She had paced the length of her bridge until even she couldn't take it anymore. When Brown called with his report at an ungodly hour of the morning, she was grateful for the reprieve from the constant waiting. At least now she had a position of strength.

So when Coleman contacted her, she responded to him with sunshine and smiles. "I do hope my crew showed you everything. That old colony sure is fascinating. Have you seen the extensive sewer system?"

Coleman looked a little green. He shuffled a bit before responding. "Yes, they made sure to give us an up close and personal tour. Even though this is terribly fascinating, Captain, terribly, I assure you, I'm afraid I'll have to take my leave. Just got a request to return to Confed space as soon as possible. You know how it is."

"Oh? What a shame." Loretta all but batted her eyelashes at him. "I'm sure you could learn so much from that old colony."

"Ah, right." Coleman coughed. "Well, in a perfect universe. Good luck with your expedition, Captain."

"Why thank you." She gave the signal and Ensign Smith cut out the feed. Loretta sank into her chair. Damn Confed bastards. She took plenty of pleasure in watching them high tail it out of the area, although she knew it was only a temporary victory at best. The Confed would keep coming as long as the UP kept exploring this region of space. Well, they'd just have to be prepared for it, that's all.

"Harris," she said to her first officer. "Route all the reports to my personal comm code. I'll review them all in my cabin."

"Yes, sir," he said. "Do you want me to review them first and send my commentary with them?"

It would give her the chance to catch up on her sleep. "Go ahead, Commander." Loretta pushed herself up out of the chair, her body aching and weary from the long night. Before she could step foot off the bridge, the on-screen comm flickered and flashed. "Ensign Smith?"

"Not doing it, sir."

The picture formed into the shape of Lieutenant Ackles, but that shouldn't have been possible. "Captain Devine." His voice sounded wrong, distorted far more than just static would allow. "Has the Confed ship left this region of space?"

"Yes, Lieutenant," she answered, "but how are you. . .?"

"Do you have any reason to expect they'll be back soon?"

"Hopefully not for a while. Lieutenant!" she tried to interrupt again.

"Thank you." He closed his eyes and the picture winked out.

Loretta turned to Smith. "What the hell was that?"

"I have no idea, sir! It didn't come on any of the channels." Smith ran his hands over his panel urgently. "It's like he didn't even comm!"

Come to think of it, Loretta thought, Ackles had been wearing his red dress uniform, and she knew he hadn't taken one of those with him. What the hell was going on here?

"Sir," Ensign Levitt said. "The alien city Harmony has just showed up on our scans again."

"Son of a bitch," she muttered. Now that was a report she was looking forward to reading!

***

Jensen opened his eyes, blinking rapidly at the bright light. He looked around, not surprised to find himself in one of the healers' rooms. What did surprise him was the presence of Jeff, passed out over his bed, his head on Jensen's thigh.

"I'd say let him sleep, but he'd want to know you're awake."

Jensen looked up in shock at the doorway, where the queen stood. She hadn't come to the healers to visit her own son, as far as he knew, so why she was here now, he couldn't say. "What happened?" Jensen asked, his voice hoarse.

Michelle turned and snapped her fingers. Several subs entered the room, two had trays of food, which hovered when let go within Jensen's reach. Another offered Jensen some water from a cup, while yet another fluffed his pillows. The last woke Jeff, who sat up in mid-snore and looked around at all the confusion. Then he realized Jensen stared back at him.

"Jensen!"

Jensen winced a bit at the volume. "What happened?"

"You saved us all," Michelle said, still from the doorway. She clapped her hands and the subs scuttled from the room. "When you are well rested, come see me." The door slid shut behind her.

Jeff cupped Jensen's face in his hands, as if marveling at its existence. "Jensen," he said again, as if incapable of saying anything else. Then Jeff leaned forward and kissed him.

This felt unlike any kiss they had shared before, though still with the same level of intensity, Jensen didn't think Jeff knew how to kiss any other way. But this time, Jeff took his time, like he was exploring Jensen's mouth, memorizing the feel of him, the way his tongue slipped against his, how his lips trembled. Jeff pulled away only reluctantly when they both needed some air.

"What happened? Why am I at the healers?" Jensen asked.

"What's the last thing you remember?"

Jensen shook his head, trying to remember. "I had gone with the queen to the command chamber. I think I went into a kind of trance state. Jeff, I spoke with Harmony; it turns out she's an actual person."

"You realize how little sense that makes," Jeff said, but his smile was fond.

"I know. She said she'd hide the city, so the Confed wouldn't find us, but she needed my help. I figured she'd need to know how our sensors all worked, but she never asked . . . Jeff what happened? Is the city safe?"

Jeff shrugged. "You've been unconscious for nearly two days. The queen said it was the sacrifice Harmony demanded."

"Yeah, I didn't expect this to make sense," Jensen grumbled. He looked at the enticing tray of food, pondering the effect on his stomach after a day of not eating.

"Jensen," Jeff said softly. "When you were out, in a coma, whatever, I didn't know if you were coming back."

The serious tone in his voice had Jensen turning away from any contemplation of food. "Stars, Jeff, I'm sorry."

"I can't do this anymore Jensen," Jeff said, his words causing a fissure of fear to run through Jensen. "I can't pretend that I don't care."

And Jensen had to touch him, had to reach out and lay his hand against Jeff's cheek, feel the deep stubble that had grown in during his vigil. "Now you know how I feel."

"Fuck, Jensen," Jeff sat back, running his fingers through his hair.

"I didn't know how to tell you," Jensen blurted. Now that he could speak, he found he couldn't stop. "When you said it was all for the mission, that's when I knew that it wasn't. But I couldn't explain it. I just, I gave you so much and I've never done that before . . ."

"I didn't think." Jeff shook his head. "How can you do this to yourself? Give your body away?"

"It never mattered before," Jensen whispered. And it hadn't, he could separate himself from what his body demanded, knew that his partner of the moment couldn't touch his soul, his heart. Somehow Jeff had gotten through all of his defenses.

Maybe because the person he had been here in Harmony was the closest he'd ever been to his true self. They had rated him as a submissive back at the Academy and Jensen had used that to survive, subsuming himself into that nature, grinding at his very self. But Jeff hadn't broken Jensen down, he'd built him up, made Jensen want to give Jeff his submission as the gift it should be.

He was so screwed.

"Jensen," Jeff whispered. He grabbed Jensen by the shoulders and kissed him again. Jensen didn't blame him, he didn't know what to say either.

Because it wasn't like this could go anywhere. They had a mission to finish and afterwards? Jensen had obligations, as did Jeff, they couldn't hide from the realities of the war, and Jensen couldn't see beyond that.

Jeff's comm chimed and Jensen pulled away reluctantly, pouting a little as Jeff pulled it out.

"Morgan."

"Commander, what the hell is going on down there?" Captain Devine's voice came through the comm, sounding clearer than it ever had. "You've been off the radar for over 24 hours."

Jeff gave Jensen a little smile. This would take a while. Jensen pulled one of the trays over and started eating, he figured he might as well. He felt good, too good, all the aches and bruises from before talking to Harmony were gone. But he had to remember he'd lost a whole day when Harmony had used him for whatever she'd needed him for.

"I take it the Confed ship is out of the area?" Jeff responded.

Silence for a moment then,  "Didn't Ackles tell you? I got a message from him shortly before I commed you."

Jensen met Jeff's widened eyes. He couldn't have contacted the Captain, he'd been either unconscious or speaking with Jeff.

"Actually, Captain," Jeff sighed. "You're going to have to wait for my report on this. Is everyone all right?"

"More than fine. Your team sent the Confed running with their tails between their legs."

Jeff grinned. "I'm not surprised. I'll report in again during my usual time. Morgan out." He closed the comm. "Well, we're not that much closer to finding out how this tech works, are we?"

"We have more of a clue, at least." Jensen pushed down the covers, eager to get out of bed and do some walking. He realized his nudity at about the same time Jeff did and felt the blush all the way to the tips of his ears. "I need to go meet with the queen, but I think I need my pants."

Jeff laughed.

***

Jeff waited for Jensen in their suite, needing to get his thoughts down for the mission report while they were fresh. And because once Jensen got back from his meeting with the queen Jeff didn't want to waste any of their time together doing work. He considered himself a realist, he knew their time here was limited, the base agreement was nearly completed, and he and Jensen would be separated.

So when Jensen finally came through the shimmering door Jeff had been finished with his report for about an hour. He slammed Jensen up against the wall, pinning his with his body so he could devour his mouth, loving how Jensen tasted, like sugar and pepper, sweet and spicy. Jensen leaned back, baring his throat and Jeff mouthed all around the black collar, tasting the leather mixed with Jensen's skin. That mark of ownership had fascinated him from the beginning, and Jeff couldn't not play with it.

"Tell me about the meeting later," Jeff murmured in Jensen's ear before pulling away.

"Strip," he ordered. "I want you to go into the playroom and choose two items: one that causes pain, one that causes pleasure."

Jensen shivered slightly, his body flushed that rosy pink color Jeff liked so much. He was so responsive, Jeff grew sick at the thought of others seeing Jensen like this, so open and sensual.

"Yes, sir," Jensen said, his voice catching. He stripped with regimental speed, dropping his clothes in the laundry hamper before leaving the bedroom for the playroom.

Jeff knew they could have done this in there, but he wanted Jensen on a bed. Call him old-fashioned, but Jeff was still plenty fond of sex on an ordinary bed. While Jensen was gone he pulled off his own shirt and shoes, but left his pants on. He'd learned a thing or two about being a dom here on 328, and knew that by staying dressed he'd give more meaning to Jensen's nudity.

When Jensen returned he had two items in his hands. Before Jeff could say anything he dropped to his knees, bowed his head and held out both arms, offering the toys up to Jeff. In one hand he held a long slim stick, with a handle and a flick of leather at the tip; only belatedly did Jeff realize it was a riding crop. That would be sure to sting. The other item Jeff knew well, it was the curved dildo Claudia had ordered Jensen to sit on in their scene together, the one that came with a remote.

Well then, Jensen knew his mind.

"On the bed, on your back, spread your legs, hands on the headboard," Jeff ordered after taking the toys. He watched as Jensen obeyed, moving to the bed with his normal sensual grace, every muscle rippling to perfection. As he lay in position, Jeff just stared at him, enjoying the sight, how Jensen looked all spread out for him, his skin flushed dark against the pale sheets, his biceps straining to maintain the position, his chest rising and falling with soft breaths.

Jeff walked around the bed, looking his fill until he reached the head, where he simply touched the headboard and restraints shimmered around Jensen's wrists. Now he could get to work. First, some of the sweet smelling oil they used for lube here. It actually worked better than ordinary lube for some reason, and he made a mental note to put exporting the stuff as part of their trade agreement.

He took his time coating the dildo with the oil, conscious of Jensen's eyes on him. Jeff hadn't ordered his sub to prepare himself, so he knew Jensen was nice and tight inside. Every inch of the dildo sliding up inside him, Jensen would feel.

When Jeff placed the tip at Jensen's entrance, Jensen caught his breath. "Breathe," Jeff ordered, "And relax."

"Yes, sir," Jensen said, exhaling.

Just a teasing inch at first, even though Jeff knew Jensen could take more, Jeff slid in and then out, then in a little deeper, until Jensen squirmed against his restraints. "Keep those legs open," Jeff ordered; though he didn't bind Jensen's ankles, it would give him something to concentrate on. Finally, the vibrator slid in deep, seated fully inside the other man. Only then did Jeff take the control device and push it to its highest setting.

Jensen arched up, his hips rising in the air as he cried out at the sudden intense vibrations. He whimpered and shuddered, his cock swollen and thick against his belly, a trail of pre-come leaking all over pale freckled skin. Jeff leaned over and licked some of it up, careful not to touch Jensen's dick. Jensen made a strangled noise in the back of his throat, attempting to regain some control of himself and Jeff grinned. He had just begun.

Jeff trailed the tip of the crop along Jensen's skin, starting with his toes, tracing lines around his knees, circles across his belly and all the way up to Jensen's chin. By that time Jensen's breathing came in great hitching gasps, and he stared up at Jeff with wide eyes. Jeff smiled, unable to resist running a hand through Jensen's hair and pulling his head back. "I said one to bring you pleasure, one to bring you pain, but you should remember, I decide which is which."

"Yes, sir," Jensen choked out, his voice broken. He still trembled from the vibrator, helpless on the bed. Jeff had to let go of him to adjust himself, his cock a hard weight against his thigh. With Jensen looking like this, all fucked out and wanton, Jeff couldn't resist him.

Jeff smacked the inside of one thigh with the crop, leaving a red line in its wake, watching as Jensen's dick leapt at the action. He just had to whack the other thigh too, Jeff hated asymmetry, and admired the matching welt. "Beautiful," Jeff murmured, and Jensen bit his lip.

Deciding to ease up a bit, Jeff turned down the vibrator to a more manageable setting. He straddled Jensen's chest, and slowly undid the ties on his pants, feeling Jensen's eyes on him as Jeff freed his cock and stroked it, long careful strokes from base to tip.

"Please," Jensen murmured.

"Who do you belong to?" Jeff asked, his voice low instead of loud and commanding.

"You, sir," Jensen hissed. "I belong to you."

Jeff slid closer, his cock bumping up against Jensen's chin. He wanted to leave a trail of his cum all along that collar, more evidence of his ownership. "Who are you?" he demanded.

"Yours," Jensen responded, voice almost pleading.

"Don't you forget it." Jeff braced himself on the headboard, leaning forward to feed Jensen his thick cock. This wasn't the best angle, Jeff couldn't get very deep, but he could watch as Jensen's plump lips closed around the head. And this wasn't about his pleasure, no, this was about Jeff making his claim. Jensen had to lie there and just take it, suck Jeff's cock down like he was nothing more than a sex toy.

Because Jeff asked him to.

"Remember," Jeff choked out, too far along himself as he thrust forward, sinking his cock into Jensen's mouth as far as it would go. "You are mine."

Jensen couldn't respond, but he sucked eagerly, humming deep in his throat as Jeff fucked his mouth. That was all it took and Jeff pulled back so he could palm his dick and come all over those pretty lips, leaving his mark behind. Then he had to move so he could lean and kiss Jensen, sharing his taste between them, forcing his tongue into Jensen's mouth like he had forced his cock.

Jeff reached out and grabbed the control for the dildo. "Come for me, baby." He threw the setting up to high once more, but took Jensen's pretty flushed cock on one hand. Oh it burned Jeff's skin, it was so swollen, so eager to come. Jensen squeezed his eyes shut and let out a gasping moan as Jeff finally gave him release.

"Easy, easy." He kissed Jensen's temple, down his ear, nibbling against his jaw. With his free hand he touched the bands around Jensen's wrists, releasing them. Jensen pulled his arms down and around Jeff, holding on as he shivered.

"The vibrator," Jensen gasped out.

"Mmm," Jeff murmured. He lowered the setting slowly. "Someday going to make you come and come, see how long you can stand it. I bet they got something here that'll make you stay hard."

Jensen moaned, his lips against Jeff's chin. "Looking forward to that."

Jeff hoped they'd get the chance.

***

"I think you'll be happy with the revised contract, Commander Morgan."

Jensen knelt in his place beside Jeff around the table in the negotiations room. The queen and Lady Verona sat across from them, with Sub Fredric at his mistress's feet. He felt disoriented, still not quite caught up after having lost a day. And every time he brushed up against one of the walls, he felt something thrum against his skin, as if Harmony herself had to keep reminding him that she was there and watching.

"I'll take a look at it, have my team check it and let know you for sure," Jeff told them.

And there was Jeff, and just the sound of his voice sent a warm thrill through Jensen. Everything had changed, his world had gotten turned around and Jensen found he loved it. He turned his head, just to feel the bruises on his neck rub against his collar. Jeff had marked him for everyone to see.

"I agreed to one of your captain's additions," Queen Michelle said. "To aid you in your fight against the Confed. I want your UP's aid in return."

Because the city would be helpless against the Confed if they chose to come here full strength, with all their ships and their robot-like soldiers. Jensen clenched his fingers into fists, his mind flashing with images of the city ravaged, the children enslaved, without regard for the careful order in place here. No, they couldn't let that happen.

"Any help you give us would be more than appreciated," Jeff told her.

"If there are no more changes, and you agree to everything, we can seal this at the closing ceremony. The Choosing ends until this time next year."

Jensen felt a bit of sadness at that, odd because this wasn't his world or his holiday, but he felt connected to these people through their festival. They had welcomed him, accepted him in a way that would never happen back in the UP.

As they all stood to conclude the meeting, Fredric leaned over and whispered something in his mistress's ear. The queen turned to him, "Commander, if you will, my sub would like a word with Sub Jensen."

"Of course. I'll be outside," Jeff told Jensen. He bowed slightly, took his slate and left.

The queen and Lady Verona exited through the interior door, leaving Jensen alone with Fredric, the first time since their one meeting.

"I just wanted to thank you," Fredric said. "For all you've done."

Jensen shrugged. It had been Fredric, after all, that had suggested Jensen would be a worthy sub in Harmony's eyes, though he still wasn't quite sure what that meant. "I'm just glad she accepted me."

"Only you could have done it," Fredric said, just as oblique as ever. "I wanted to thank you especially for helping my son. He hasn't been himself in years, but this season . . .
he's bloomed with your friendship."

Jensen ducked his head, rubbing at the back of his neck. He still worried about Peter's situation, wasn't sure Adrian was the best dom for him. But at least Peter had opened up to Jensen, and maybe that's all the other man needed. "I value his," Jensen told Fredric honestly.

When he left the room, he found Jeff in furious conversation with Duchess Claudia. They stopped as Jensen approached. "Mistress," he said, bowing his head as appropriate.

Claudia gave Jeff a look, and he sighed. "Jensen, the duchess would like our help in punishing Sub Misha."

Oh, Jensen remembered now, Misha ditching him and Peter to stay at the auction. Peter had been so upset. With everything that had happened afterwards, Jensen had forgotten about it. And really, it was odd he hadn't seen Misha since leaving the healers. "Is he all right?" he asked Claudia, thinking back to the large Master Hal, who had dwarfed the smaller Misha.

Claudia shrugged. "Physically, yes. He knows he's done wrong, and the longer I wait in punishing him, the harder it will be for us both. Afterwards he will make a public apology on the tele, but he can't do that until punishment has been given."

"Why do you need our help?" Jensen asked, curious. He couldn't imagine there being anything that Claudia couldn't do.

She gave him a thin-lipped smile. "He is attracted to you both, and yet there is no danger of either of you wanting more from him. And the humiliation of being punished by a friend only adds to the punishment. He needs to be shamed out of his bad behavior."

This, Jensen thought, would be true punishment. There would be no pleasure taken in any pain given to Misha, no act would serve to arouse him. Everything would be a reminder of how he had broken his word to his mistress. "I think we should help," he told Jeff. After all, it had been Misha's suggestion for Jeff to punish Jensen, and that had worked out well.

Jeff gave him a bleak look. "You haven't heard what she wants us to do yet."

This time the smile on Claudia's face was genuine. "Oh, I'm sure Jensen will have no problem with my methods."

Jensen wasn't exactly too sure about that. For a moment he nearly reconsidered, but this was something both Claudia and Misha needed. They'd helped him and Jeff, could they do any less?



Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | Chapter 21 | Chapter 22 | Epilogue