Free Dazz by Hannah Davenport Page A

behind.
    Addressing his friend, Dazz said, “Yes, Sukku?”
    “I…I just wanted to say congratulations on your mating.”
    Dazz sat back in his chair and laced his fingers together while studying Sakku. “You’re alright with it now?”
    “Yes.  I could see how happy you were with her.  I feel bad for Sassha, but I’m happy for you.”
    “And what do you think of my mate?” he tilted his head, preparing to weigh the words of his friend.
    “She is…different,” Sakku grimaced.
    Dazz’s boisterous laugh startled the other, as he explained, “That’s an understatement!”
    “I don’t think I would like a female that…strong-willed.  Are you sure you are up for the challenge?”  Sakku asked.
    “I’m sure.  I actually enjoy her fighting spirit.  It will keep things interesting.”  Dazz said with a grin.
    Sakku took the seat opposite Dazz, and the two fell into a comfortable conversation, both more at ease now that things were settled between them.
    At the end of it, Sakku stood to leave and asked, “May I ask how long you plan to hold our position?”
    “We’ll stay another standard day and see if any other Tureis ships come through the wormhole, and then we’ll head home.”
     

 
    Chloe
     
    Chloe woke up after one of the best nights of sleep she’d had in a long while.  The other side of the bed was empty, but she smiled anyway.  She remembered the sweet way he’d told her he had to go to work.
    After stretching, she laid there a moment longer until her stomach rumbled, reminding her it was time to eat.
    She jumped out of bed and headed for the shower.  After going without for so long, a nice shower was one thing she really enjoyed first thing in the morning.
    With her teeth brushed, she donned the normal black jumpsuit, and then braided her wet hair before heading out the door.  She expected a guard, but the corridor lay empty.  Strange.  She was positive Dazz had told her to let the guard know she was ready for first meal.
    She headed down the corridor toward the Dining Hall.  Before making it to the end, she felt a prick on her neck.  Her hand shot to the inflicted area, and when she spun around, the last thing she saw was a grinning Tureis!  Everything went black.
     

Chapter Seven
    Dazz
     
    Back on the Bridge, he noted the late standard hour.  His stomach rumbled, and he needed to eat.  Chloe should be up by now, he thought. 
    “Commander, the program you requested has been up and running for thirty standard minutes without any noted problems.”
    “Thank you, Chasse.  Now, let’s see if it works the way we hope.”
    His stomach rumbled again, reminding him that he’d told his mate they would have first meal together.  Tapping his com-unit, he said, “Bridge to Dannte.”  No reply.  “Bridge to Dannte,” he said again.  Still nothing.
    “Sakku, you have the Bridge.”
    “Yes, Commander.”
    Dazz briskly walked down the corridor, toward his quarters.  He noticed the absence of the guard first, before he found his quarters empty.  Agitation warred with worry as he thought that she’d probably eaten without him, but he couldn’t discount the threat on board his ship.
    Walking into the Dining Hall, he looked around, but she wasn’t there.  He spotted Rannd sitting close by. 
    As he approached the table, Rannd started to rise, to stand at attention.  “Stay seated.  Have you seen Dannte, or my mate?”
    “No, Commander,” came the answer.  Dazz nodded before leaving the Dining Hall.
    Walking back toward his quarters, he tapped his com-unit, “Sakku, meet me in my quarters with a security team.  Chasse, you have the Bridge.”
    “On our way,” Sakku answered.
    “Yes, Commander,” Chasse responded.
    In his quarters, Dazz looked for anything out of place, but everything looked normal.  There were no signs of a struggle.  When Sakku showed up with a team of security officers, Dazz explained the situation.
    “Starting here and moving outward, I