Violet Dawn

Violet Dawn

Elaine Waldron

Copyright (C) 2007 by Sandra Elaine Waldron

Smashwords Edition

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This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locals is entirely coincidental.

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Chapter One

There was a frightened wild look in the dark-haired beauty’s yellow eyes; she shivered hard and huddled in a far corner, watching the older woman with a weathered complexion pace restlessly across the sandy floor of their cage. Frightened and cold, neither comprehended what was happening. They failed to realize they were on an alien world, far – very far – from home.

Their males had fought bravely, trying desperately to save them and their tribe, but died in their efforts when the strange tall men shot them with weapons of brilliant yellow light. They remembered their arms having been bound behind their backs and then being forced into an odd silver hut that flew like birds but without wings. They were hungry and cold. The skimpy animal skins they wore covered little. And – they were in danger!

The violet dawn of Kasei was an extreme contrast to the brilliant yellow star-rise of the young savage world A’Dom had returned from only a few hours prior. He rubbed sleep from his slanted aqua eyes and slowly pulled away from the triangle window. Three hours of sleep had not been sufficient. Yet, when one was a soldier of the Kaseian Protective Patrol one did not dare complain of trivial matters.

Tartak, A’Dom’s burly friend, also a soldier of the KPP, would soon be arriving. They had to report to Marshal Shem the results of their mission – which had been to bring back live specimens – descendants of the breeding experiments their forefathers had performed on the aliens in the Omega system two thousand years before.

During their mission only a few mutants were found. The savage cousins of the more intelligent species had wiped out all the others, save a few, leaving only two females. The males had proven to be much too simian and hostile. A’Dom and Tartak had been forced to exterminate them. Consequently, they brought back only the two females, while the natural and more savage life-forms were left to the normal processes of evolution.

Doctor Nergal, the aging Chief of Biological Science, would thoroughly study and examine the specimens, and then he would probably have them destroyed.

Such a shame, A’Dom commented to himself. They’re almost pretty, especially the black-haired one with the big yellow eyes. It would be so easy for her to pass as Kaseian, if it weren’t for her savage temper and well-endowed body.

Someone rapped on the door – Tartak.

Shem’s black eyes shone like polished marbles as he returned the KPP salute, which consisted of enclosing the two middle fingers and extending the thumb, index and little finger. He then took Tartak’s report and thumbed through the papers slowly. He sighed, disappointedly. Just as I feared. We’ve received similar results before, almost nothing tangible. Yet, you brought back two females, which is better than the last three missions. He took A’Dom’s report, studied it momentarily then replied, I take it you find the younger female pleasant to gaze upon, A’Dom, am I not correct?

Tartak studied his friend and cleared his throat. How was A’Dom going to explain himself?

There was that glimmer in Shem’s black eyes that A’Dom knew well not to trust, for he was aware that any hint of physical desire was more than frowned upon by the Holy Ones. He nodded, indicating to his handwritten report. I merely meant they are pleasant to look upon in contrast to the ugly simian natives of that world, sir. Nothing more, I assure you.

It was obvious Shem was suppressing a grin of superiority. He’d never really cared for the blond fourth in command, even if he had graduated at the top of his class.

A’Dom and Tartak exchanged knowing glances; neither cared much for Shem, either. But there was little choice in such matters.

Shem, still with a snide smirk on his thin lips, laid the reports on his white and gray marble desk. He then placed his black military cap with the emerald star of his rank of Marshal of the Kaseian Protective Patrol squarely and evenly on his head. The cap was a striking contrast to his prematurely silver hair.

As an example of a military officer, Shem was as perfect as perfect can be – known well for living by the book, with an ends-justifies-the-means philosophy. He also benefited from an uncommon friendship with Pollux, High Priest of the Sacred Dome, making Shem a deadly foe if he should decide not to like you, and, it was a known fact that he was not too keen on the chosen ones, regardless of his relationship with Pollux. He considered the affection the chosen ones, especially A'Dom, received from the commoners, grossly overrated and unjustified. After all, the chosen ones weren’t Holy Ones. They were merely conceived in the ancient way. To him, not truly a religious man, the thought of actual physical union was more than disgusting. Nonetheless, he abided by the law, and the Holy Ones were the law.

No one questioned them – ever!

Do you wish to see the specimens, sir? Tartak asked, hoping to avoid any unpleasant clash between A’Dom, his friend, and Marshal Shem.

Certainly, Shem replied. I was coming to it. His black, cold eyes fell to the bulge in A’Dom’s pelvic region. It was disgusting to Shem. Chosen ones were merely links to the ancient animals Kaseians once were. He failed to understand why the Holy Ones persisted in keeping the line going. They actually urinated like dumb animals, instead of having implanted evaporators. And, there was a time when – no! He didn’t want to think about it.

Tartak moved quickly to the door and opened it wide. Sir?

Shem sniffed disdainfully and averted his eyes, turning his attention to the officer at the door. I’m coming, Tartak.

A’Dom shrugged behind the marshal’s back and followed him out the door with Tartak.

The oldest female suddenly stopped her pacing. She heard the crunching of heavy boots on the fine red sand. Their captors were approaching. The younger female whimpered and tried her best to shrivel even closer to the back bars of their cage.

Shem stepped up first. Tartak, the tallest, was right behind, then A’Dom. With a thick white brow raised in contempt, Shem eyed the pitiful creatures. Though he would never readily admit it to anyone, he could readily see the Kaseian in the specimens. If they still retained any resemblance to the apes their forefathers were, it had to be in their feeble intellect, for – for all outward appearances – not counting the obvious lack of de-fruiting, their healthy bosoms and sensuality, they could physically pass for Kaseians anywhere. Disgusting, he remarked. You’d better find them clothing to hide their nakedness before any of the Holy Ones pass by. Otherwise, we will be summoned before the council.

But the females are not true Kaseians, Tartak replied.

Shem dug the toe of his boot in the gravel and turned around looking at him sharply. Does not matter. Their sexuality shows! And since they are not pure alien stock … he almost choked on his words, and have Kaseian DNA, their nudity must not be tolerated.

I understand, sir, Tartak responded. But what of the scientists? Won’t they be examining the females this morning?

Yes. Shem scratched his chin thoughtfully with his forefinger. Personally, I really can’t understand why anyone would care to bother with them – they are animals! He sighed heavily and smiled his notorious false smile at his two officers. However, it is not for us to question, is it?

No, sir, A’Dom said, finally speaking.

No, sir, Tartak echoed.

A’Dom focused on the dark-haired girl with the wild, frightened, yellow-green eyes. She was shivering uncontrollably and staring back at him, unblinking. He was drawn to her bosom. She was so young, healthy and bronze from the warmth of her world. The bit of spotted fur scarcely was sufficient to cover her dark nipples, adding to his imagination. A warm and strange sensation flooded through him, stirring something new. This is not a good feeling, he assumed. Quickly, he averted his eyes.

Marshal Shem was saying, See to it that they are properly covered then take them over to the science building. The matter will be in the doctors’ hands, then. We have more important tasks at hand…. A’Dom, your selected female has requested to see you this morning.

Yes, sir!

She will greet you in the ground receiving room of the Sacred Dome.

Thank you, sir!

Shem faced his other officer, Well, Tartak, see to it the females are delivered promptly. And you, A’Dom, he said, looking askance at his next in command in what almost seemed a mocking manner, do not keep your selected female waiting.

Right, sir!

Both officers saluted the marshal and they went on their way.

The outside of the mammoth Sacred Dome was structured with thousands of ice-blue windows. They sparkled in the morning light and seemed to overpower the rosy-orange sky. As always, A’Dom felt dwarfed by the huge dome as he approached with swift determined strides. He wondered what it was that Melita wanted, for she rarely summoned him to her presence. Such meetings were not exactly encouraged by the Holy Ones. He stopped momentarily, just outside the heavy bronze door and removed his black military hat with the ruby star of fourth in command, dusted the star off, then the highly-polished rim, with the sleeve of his black uniform, then returned the hat to his blond head. He sucked in a deep breath of crisp spring air and passed his hand over the red sensor. A bell rang somewhere inside the dome, letting the Holy Ones know a visitor had arrived.

A’Dom didn’t have to wait long. There was a hissing and the metallic door disappeared into the wall. Standing before him and looking totally out of place, was the beautiful dark-skinned Tamar with an abundance of contrasting auburn hair. She was the high priestess. She wore long transparent veils of white and a gold band across her high forehead. She smiled saucily with large amber eyes, as the lower half of her face was hidden by a veil. Unlike the common women of Kasei, she had not been deflowered.

Yes … A’Dom, she said in her throaty and deliberately alluring voice, Melita is expecting you.

He removed his hat as a motion of respect for the priestess and tucked it under his arm, then followed her billowing white veils down the long winding hall, which was lit with tiny round turquoise lights, dotting the walls and floor like the stars in the heavens. It gave one the eerie sensation of walking in space, something A’Dom had done a few times on various missions.

The delicate, translucent material the black beauty wore hid nothing, and her deliberately seductive walk and exquisite curves were almost more than any healthy and whole male on some other world might be able to withstand, but A’Dom, though physically able to function sexually, was under the influence of his vitamin, a tiny black pill that suppressed his sexual urges and dampened his curiosity. Even if he were to feel desire for her, he was psychologically programmed to ignore her – at all costs! She was the high priestess, the sacred fruit, the very embodiment of the goddess, Kasei. She was supposed to be seductive – and she was.

Tamar was what all chosen ones had to avoid. The forbidden. Calmly, he followed at her heels, knowing full well she was trying to entice him. It was her duty. Likewise it was any chosen one’s duty to ignore her.

What A’Dom didn’t know was, if she succeeded in seducing him, she would be acclaimed for weeding out an unfaithful one; hence, he would be sentenced to death. Only not before he experienced passion to its fullest; at which time, when he reached his peak of ecstasy, she would drive the death knife into his back, then when he was dead, she would severe his muscle of unfaithfulness and preserve it in alcohol and store it among her prized specimens in her collection in the altar room.

A’Dom had no way of knowing the fate of the chosen ones who had failed to make Sacred Union. They had just disappeared and were never heard from again. He assumed they’d been castrated and sentenced to work as commoners for the remainder of their lives. He never entered the altar room of the Sacred Dome; only Holy Ones had that privilege. There was no way for him to know of the preserved phalluses displayed on and around the magenta altar.

Keeping a calm head, A’Dom ignored Tamar’s exotic loveliness, even as she stepped aside at the door to the receiving room where Melita waited. She brushed her soft bosom up against him and smiled teasingly with her dark eyes. Quickly, he passed his hand across the red sensor and the door hissed open.

Tamar laughed heartily and went on her way.

Melita sat humbly and respectively on a large stone seat that resembled granite. It was in the middle of the round receiving room. Her long honey-blonde curls were softly fluffed around her shoulders and she was wearing the olive green robe of all selected females. Over her mouth, was draped an equally olive veil, similar to that of Tamar’s.

A’Dom stepped up to her and bowed in a gesture of respect. You sent for me, pure one?

Yes. She held out her trembling white hand, and her eyes dropped in quiet submission.

Something is troubling you. Your hand shakes. What is it?

She didn’t or couldn’t answer.

Melita?

Her heavy lids fluttered and she looked away. I … I don’t know. She managed, obviously having difficulty in getting out what she wanted to say. Surely, you must think me silly … sending for you this way?

Not in the least. He spoke with genuine concern. When something troubles you, I want to know what it is.

That’s just it. I am not exactly sure. She was no longer able to hold back the gush of tears. She was terrified. But of what? There was a long and somewhat awkward silence, then she softly said, A’Dom … I’m so scared!

He tenderly squeezed her hand and assisted her to her feet. The Holy Ones frowned upon physical contact, but he held her to comfort her, anyway. Tell me. What is wrong?

I … I am just so frightened.

That is apparent. Has someone tried to harm you? If so …

No! Nothing like that.

He stroked her silky hair. Then … pray tell … what?

I told you that you would think me crazy. I have this horrible foreboding…Yes! That’s what it is! I am terrified. Yet, I really don’t understand it.

But of what? he patiently asked again. You are here with the Holy Ones. They will not let any harm come upon you.

She shook her head. No … No … I really can’t expect you to understand.

Try me. Explain it the best you can. You called me here for a reason. You must want to tell me.

And she did.

But explaining was part of the problem, for it was the Holy Ones she feared. Although she had been raised by them and was never really out of their sight – except in the receiving room, as she was now – she had this unspeakable dread about them. I just feel that all is not quite as it seems … as it should be.

In spite of the drugs in his body, A’Dom smiled with a hint of tenderness for the fragile female. Pure one, my selected one, what are you speaking of? We have nothing to fear here.

She sighed wearily, obviously having serious doubts. I so hope you are right.

Melita, listen to me, he said with enthusiasm, showing a desire to encourage her, in a few short months we will have Sacred Union – You and I! he gesticulated. A glorious occasion for all to witness. And we are the ones fortunate enough to experience it. We will conceive a child, a child of Sacred Union, who will be another chosen one or pure one. Very few Kaseians have that honor, Melita. So, what could possibly be wrong?

Yes … a child, she said absentmindedly. She respected A’Dom more than anyone else, but her fears remained with her in spite of his words.

It is the greatest of honors!

Did she dare mention what she had heard behind the door to the altar room only two nights before? Did she dare tell him? Trust him? Would he go to the council and tell them she was having unclean thoughts? She gazed into his wonderful aqua eyes that were so kind in comparison to other men. He stirred something in her she did not understand, especially now, while he held her in his powerful arms. There was something in his nearness. Something soft. Something good. Yet, she had been raised to disregard all emotions and feelings she did not understand towards the opposite sex, especially when it involved chosen ones.

The other evening, she dared to finally say, before your return flight, I could not sleep. I decided to take a walk. I felt it would be all right. The Holy Ones retire early, and I believed that I would be quiet enough so as not to disturb them. I can remember thinking how peaceful and lovely the winding halls are at night when no one is around. The imitation celestial array is so beautiful. One can almost believe the stars are real, that one is truly in space…. Anyway, as I neared the door to the altar room, I thought I heard voices. I was startled, at first. I feared someone had managed to break the code to the night lock and had entered the dome. I even feared a Larkonian spy. That is, until I recognized Tamar’s and Pollux’s voices. They were laughing loudly and speaking of strange things which made no sense to me.

What strange things?

She looked up at him questioningly. They spoke of fools. What are fools, A’Dom?

He stared down into her wide, innocent eyes. He knew the meaning of the word, but he found it odd that the Holy Ones would use such a term. Usually, one would refer to a Larkonian as a fool. Perhaps that was what the Holy Ones were speaking of. A fool is someone … well … someone stupid, Melita. Someone who hasn’t good reasoning. Anyway, continue.

It is difficult for me to describe. They laughed so hard. It seemed unnatural. I have never heard anyone laugh like that before. It scared me.

You are forgetting, pure one. They are the Holy Ones. They know things we are forbidden to know. Their knowledge is much greater than ours.

Yes … only …

What? he asked, still with patience.

She shook her head as though trying to sort it all out. It was just so strange! I can’t explain it. I can’t make you understand what I am trying to get across. I don’t know how. Her eyes misted.

He stroked her hair again and spoke softly, Is there anything else, Melita? Is what you have told me truly what has you so upset?

She sighed a melancholic sigh. You would have to have been there. Yes. Mostly, I have had an odd feeling for a long time, a feeling that things are being kept from us.

Of course they are, pure one. They have every right to keep the sacred secrets from us.

A’Dom, please! He just wasn’t taking her as seriously as she needed him to. Yet, she was afraid to push the issue too far. After all, she was breaking the rules, possibly questioning the integrity of the Holy Ones."

He recognized the fear in her eyes. Right or not, she was terrified. To reassure her, he hugged her tightly, knowing full well it was strictly forbidden. The gesture seemed to calm her. Do not worry, pure one. What you have mentioned will never part from my lips.

She relaxed in relief, having heard what she so desperately needed to hear. I realize I had no business out of my quarters in the dark hours. Had I been where I should have … I would not be troubling you like this.

It’s all right. I’m glad you summoned me. Just be thankful no one saw you. You could have been penalized. Perhaps harshly.

I really don’t think so. No one has even said for us not to leave our rooms at night. It’s just that no one ever does. However, I am sure they would tell me not to do it again.

I think it would be wise for you to remain in your room during the dark hours from now on. Especially, since this circumstance has upset you so. The last thing I want is for you to be upset.

You’re absolutely right. I have been silly.

Not silly. You were frightened by things you do not understand … things that are not for us to understand. Otherwise, we would know what they know. But … when something upsets you, I want you to tell me. And do not consider yourself silly for doing so.

Oh … A’Dom, she breathed, "I am so lucky to have you for my chosen one. You are different than the others."

He chuckled. And … just how am I different?

You just are. You … care.

Melita, I am sure others care, too.

No. She shook her head firmly. Not like you.

If you say so, pure one.

Thank you for coming.

The five minute bell rang out and the door swished open; visiting time was over.

Again, A’Dom, she said, looking at him in a hopeful and thankful manner, thank you so much.

He released her and stepped back two steps, the acceptable distance. It is and always will be an honor and a pleasure, pure one.

Tamar appeared at the doorway, smiling as though she bore some wonderful secret. Time’s up, A’Dom.

I am coming. With a slight curtsy to Melita, he said, I will call on you again … sometime next week. And if you should wish to see me before then, do not hesitate to send word.

Thank you, chosen one. She too curtsied.