Ohber found Valeri in his recovery room. She ran to him in relief. "Where have you been? I've been so worried. You need to be resting, not wandering through the capital. Alexis has agreed to let you have a nearby chamber all to yourself while you are healing. I convinced her that staying in here was too much like the lab on Earth." She tugged at his hand. "Come on; I'll take you there. You can rest in a comfortable bed and have something to eat. She will bring your medication to you later."

Ohber allowed himself to be led from the lab. It would be better to have some privacy when he told her his intentions anyway. The small chamber was a short walk down the hallway. It was not meant as a permanent home. It only held a bed and a table. There was a tiny bathroom and one small window. That window would have saved his sanity if he was staying. He could not be locked inside ever again.

"You never answered my question. Where have you been?" Valeri had noticed the uniform. She wasn't happy to see it. It made her worry.

"I have been with Nabvan. I asked him for a new uniform and a sword. He was kind enough to have me fitted for this one and some clothing changes. He also took me for a short walk outside." Ohber saw her about to protest. He held up his hand to stop her and continued, "We were careful. We went slowly and not too far. It was wonderful to smell the sea and feel the breeze. I believe it strengthens me. Then we ate a meal with the warriors, so I do not need any more food."

"You must be exhausted," Valeri stated. "Take off the uniform and get some rest."

Ohber put his hands on her shoulders and made her face him. "I cannot do that. The warship is leaving soon. I am going with King Siefer and Nabvan to Earth. They have agreed to let me go."

Valeri's shock and fear showed clearly. "You can't. Are they crazy? You are not well. That place will haunt you. I'm going to find Alexis. She won't allow this."

He stopped her easily. "You know I need to do this. I will never be rid of the nightmares unless I see them rescued. Besides, the other aliens trust me. The knights will frighten them. I can calm them and keep them safe. I have promised to take medication with me and rest on the warship. Nabvan will not let me fight. He made me swear to stay back if a battle started."

She hated to admit it, but Valeri knew he was right. "I don't like it, but I do understand. Promise me you will return unharmed. I can't lose you after all this."

Ohber pulled her into his arms, kissed her lips, and said, "I swear, I will come back to you." He leaned down for a deeper kiss and lost control. His hands drifted through her silken hair. He marveled at its soft texture. Her small body fit tightly against his large form. He felt powerful. It ignited a fire within his soul.

Valeri's tongue entered his mouth and played inside. He gasped in surprise. A warmth suffused his skin. Ohber's hands began to roam. He slid them down her back, along her sides, and back up to her full breasts. He squeezed them gently, and she moaned with pleasure. Using his second pair of arms, he cupped her backside and pulled her against his growing manhood.

He felt Valeri's pulse quicken as her hands explored his face, neck, and shoulders. They caressed his broad chest, searching for a way inside his uniform. Finding the hidden opening, she forced apart the fabric and slipped her fingers inside. Her hand lay flat against his beating heart. It kept time with her own.

Ohber wanted to touch her skin as well. He found the ties on the back of the skintight bodysuit and unlaced them. He splayed his hands over her bare back and sighed. Her skin was soft and delicate under his large, rough hands. He tugged at the shoulders of her outfit. She understood and pulled her arms out of the sleeves. Her round, full breasts were exposed to his hungry gaze.

Valeri felt vulnerable as Ohber stared unblinking at her breasts. Her skin turned a deep pink as she blushed. No one had ever looked at her with such hunger. It was intoxicating. She ripped at his uniform and bared his chest as well. His heart was pounding, showing her how excited she made him.

Ohber traced the curves of her breasts with his fingers. He loved the feel of her taut nipples. He lifted her by the waist and stood her on the bed. Her chest was now at the perfect height. His mouth suckled at her breast. His tongue flicked the nipple, causing her to shiver with pleasure. She held his head pressed to her chest and urged him on. He was happy to oblige.

Time lost all meaning as they became more involved in their explorations. Valeri's bodysuit quickly ended up on the floor. Ohber's hands and eyes roamed at will over every inch as it was uncovered. Her beauty was a revelation to him. He could spend hours just staring at her. The creaminess of her skin was a sharp contrast to the translucent skin of a Milisarian female. It fascinated him. He intended to touch every curve.

Valeri's body reacted to his attention. Her nipples tightened, and her center grew wet. She longed for him to touch her there and stop the ache. She took his hand and guided it between her legs.

Ohber felt the warm dampness on his fingers. He enjoyed the knowledge that he had caused it. He touched the nub he found at the top of the slit and Valeri jumped. He delved into the hot, wet recesses and brought out the moisture to soothe the nub. Valeri's breath quickened as he played. He watched her face intently, moving his fingers faster and faster. She threw back her head and her body tensed. Her core squeezed his fingers as she pulsed through an intense orgasm.

Aware that their time was running short, Valeri began to tear at his uniform. He pushed her hands away, laughing. "I will need this later. Let me do it." Ohber hurried to strip off the clothes and toss them aside. He gave Valeri a few moments to study his nude body. He was still too thin, but the gray pallor was gone. The size of his erection made her eyes grow large and round. She reached out to touch the tip, and it grew harder instantly. A tiny drop of liquid adorned its end. She became bolder and ran her hands over is velvety hardness. Ohber's growl of pleasure filled the tiny room. She continued to rub him while leaning in and kissing his pounding heart.

Ohber was afraid that if she kept up her actions, he would explode. He had better plans for their time. He took her by the waist and laid her down on the bed. He ran all four hands over her body, caressing every inch. Then he started kissing her from her toes upward. He used his teeth to nip at the inside of her creamy thighs. She lifted her hips in response. He spread her legs and bent to feast on the prize he discovered. Valeri went stiff as his tongue roved over her wetness. He sucked on the nub and impaled her with his long tongue. Her tense body began to shake in anticipation. A few more strokes over her mound and she exploded once again.

Ohber slid slowly up her body and stared into her glowing eyes. They clung together for a moment. He watched her expression as he pushed gently at her opening with his hardness. Her eyes darkened with passion as he filled her softness. He paused at the halfway point, allowing her body to adjust to his large size. Valeri was having none of that. She grabbed his backside and shoved him forward. Raising her hips, she impaled herself. Her hot wetness surrounded him. Ohber moved back and forth in a slow rhythm. Tension built from the friction. Sweat poured off Ohber's brow and over their chests. The musky smell mingled with the odor of sex. Valeri wrapped her legs around his waist, and he pushed harder and faster. She imagined him reaching all the way to her heart. Together, they tumbled over the edge. Ohber's joyful shout shook the walls. She added her screams. He held tightly to Valeri and rolled over. She nestled onto his massive chest and let their pulse return to normal. She sighed, happy and content to stay there forever.

Staying there was not an option they could afford. Ohber was required to be on the warship in a matter of minutes. He carried her to the shower, where they washed away the sweat and sweet scent of lovemaking. Ohber tried to hold onto the joy he felt from being with Valeri. He would use it to save him from the agony of returning to his prison. He could imagine her smiling face when he walked into the torturous lab. He could use the sound of her moans of ecstasy to cover the cries of the suffering aliens. Memories of today would get him through any fear and bring him back home to safety.

He was shocked and elated when Valeri dropped to her knees in the shower. She licked the tip of his erection, and it quivered in answer. She opened her mouth wide and let him in. He pushed deeper. She worked him with her hands and warm mouth, loving him unconditionally. He threw back his head and roared as he burst. Ohber lifted her from the floor and kissed her. He said, "Thank you for giving me such a glorious memory. It will sustain me throughout this journey. I hope it soothes your fears as well."

"It was my pleasure: a last gift so you won't forget me while you are gone." Out of time, Valeri helped him dress quickly. She gathered her bodysuit and slippers, slipping into them while he donned his boots. She turned and silently asked Ohber to lace and tie the opening at the back of her suit. His large hands fumbled with the laces and clumsily tied it closed. They hurried from the room.

Alexis was in the lab, saying farewell to Nabvan. Nexxa clung to his neck. She was crying and begging, "Do not leave me again. You promised to take me to play in the sea."

Ohber stood back and gave Nabvan time to reassure his daughter. "I will be back soon. We can play in the sea then. Maybe we can get Scyon and some of your other friends to come too."

Alexis added, "I can teach you how to build sand castles and make sculptures in the sand. It will be fun. Stop fretting and kiss your daddy goodbye. He needs to see you smiling, not having a fit.

"Nexxa wiped away her tears and put on a brave smile. "I love you, daddy. Save your warriors and come back safe. I will take care of mommy." She saw Ohber standing in the doorway and said, "You are well now? You can join daddy's knights? Do you need a hug goodbye too?" She reached out her tiny arms and Ohber gathered her close. He had never held a child before. It was an enlightening experience. It made him feel powerful and protective. She gave him her trust, and he must prove worthy of it. Once more, he imagined having a child with Valeri. That discussion would have to wait until his return. He gave Nexxa back to Alexis.

"I am ready to board the warship,” Ohber announced. "What medications do I need?"

Alexis handed him a package and replied, "Take the pills each morning. The injections are for your muscles and organs. They will help regenerate new tissue. The lotion must be used every night. It is to moisten your skin. The blisters left it too dry, and it will tear easily. You will be much better by the time you reach Earth if you follow my directions."

Ohber thanked her, and then added, "If there are more people like you, Valeri, and the queen on Earth, I am glad we are not going to war. Perhaps, they will repair the mistakes the scientists have made as our new king has done with King Shene's mistakes. Every planet deserves a second chance."

Nabvan replied, "I must congratulate you on your perceptions. Most others who had suffered such atrocities would want revenge. You choose to see the good instead. It is an honorable attitude."

"I assure you, there are millions more like us on Earth." Alexis clarified, "Few humans would approve of what occurred in that lab. Such cruel treatment was outlawed many years ago."

Valeri spoke up, "I am ashamed of my part in it. I allowed my dreams of an illness-free world to overrule my good sense. It will never happen again. I still love my father, but he must pay for his greed. It was a sad day when I discovered money meant more to him than his family or the lives of others."

Alexis hugged Valeri. "You have righted any wrongs you were a part of. Maybe, your father has learned a lesson also. We shall see. While the men are saving the knights, you can spend time in the lab with me. Together, we can make a difference on many worlds."

"I believe we can, starting with shutting down my dad's experiments. I guess it's time to see these guys off. They need to get going. There has been too much time lost already. Dad could have moved everyone to a different site." Valeri had worried about that scenario since leaving Earth. It's what she would have done in her father's shoes.