Companion

Hi guys, three more chapters for you. Thank you to Moku_Sui for the review :) Things are a little better for Kara in this chapter

Chapter 11

"What is your name?" Jye asks again tonelessly.

It is the first question in a cycle of questions. A cycle Jye repeats over and over in an attempt to grind Castis' down. But he hasn't broken. He only answers one question,

"Castis Hahna," he says, then prepares to say no more.

It's not easy. He knows by now what's coming should he refuse to answer the next question.

"Are you involved, in any capacity, with the Scyllan military?"

Castis bites his lip and remains silent. There is not a flicker of emotion in Jye's heavyset face as he raises his hand. Suddenly Castis cannot breathe from the weight of Jye's telekinesis bearing down on him. It's an old torture technique called Caging.

It lasts several seconds. Jye is experienced enough to easy off just before Castis passes out. Castis gasps brokenly for air.

"Are you privy to any information regarding military operations?" Jye drones relentlessly.

Castis blinks away the spots in front of his eyes. It would be easy to give in, tell Jye what he knows. But he needs leverage if he's to save Kara. For his sake, he needs to stay strong. He cannot break.

He endures another round of Caging.

"Why did you defect from your homeworld?"

Castis shakes his head wheezing. And so it goes the same questions followed by silence then suffocation. Until finally, Jye leans back in his chair,

"You're tougher than I thought you'd be," he picks his teeth with a sharp claw, "But don't worry, I like a challenge."

Castis finds no comfort in these words. Two guards enter the interogation room and drag him away. Though exhausted, Castis tries to memorise the route before they reach a confinement cell. They shove him inside so roughly he lands on the floor.

He rolls on his back, sucking in air carefully. He closes his eyes, trying to ignore his aching sides. He needs to clear his mind as best as he can if he's to try to commune with Kara.

Telepathy is one reason the Scyllans feel superior to the Chimerans. Telekinesis, though effective in showing brute force, is seen as second class power. His fellow Scyllans seem to not take into account that Chimerans are the only race naturally resistant to mind probing. It is only in a weakened or emotional state a Scyllan can breach a Chimeran's mental defences. Telepathy is not only used for military advantage however. The mental bond between two Scyllans, two lovers, is celebrated as a sign of spiritual oneness.

Such a bond between a Scyllan and an "inferior" is seen as the lowest kind of blasphemy.Any relationship with a non-Scyllan is strictly forbidden. Castis broke the rules when he fell in love with Kara. It is the excuse the High Twelve used in order to place him under arrest, or tried. He and Kara had escaped. At what cost Castis tries not to think. His mind reaches beyond the confines of his cell, into the dark of space. The bond gives him an innate ability to target Kara's individual frequency.

He feels the tingling jolt of connection and almost weeps in relief. In his mind's eye there is a thin veneer of fog. A result of the stasis sleep? But through the haze he makes out an outline.

"Kara!"

"Castis?"

Kara emerges through the fog and an astral version of Castis races to embrace him.

"I thought you might be dead."

The Liran's four arms grasp him tightly.

"No," he murmurs, before his hold relaxes, "You left me? Why?"

Castis lifts his head from the Liran's broad shoulder to see the look of pain.

"I had no choice. Chimerans boarded and they - they knocked me unconscious. I'm imprisoned on their flagship."

Kara tightened his hold on Castis once more with a sigh.

"I'm afraid I find myself in a similiar situation."

"What do you mean?" Castis asks somewhat fearfully.

"I've been picked up by a ship called the Paxia. There was a Doctor on board who saw to my wounds."

"But that's good news...."

"Yes and no. The Paxia is a former prison ship and the crew are former prisoners. They're threatening to kill me if I don't join them."

"Then you should join them," Castis says hurriedly, "At least until I can find some way to rescue you."

"How my love? You're imprisoned too remember?"

"I know. But I'll find a way. The Paxia, it's a former Chimeran ship?"

"Yes. It used to be called the Bonebreaker."

That could be leverage, he thinks. For now he slams a desperate kiss to Kara's mouth. The Liran responds in kind, his lower arms moving to stroke Castis in all the intimate places.

"Thought I'd lost you."

"Never."

They make rushed passionate love. Afterwards they lay locked in each other's arms. Around them the fog still crowds. Castis wonders the cause since it's not from stasis.

"Are you under the influence of medication?"

"The Doctor used a tranquilizer on me."

That's enough to alarm Castis.

"Why?"

"I argued about joining the community, as he put it."

"Well don't argue, not anymore. Do what they say. Think about survival."

"I'll think about you," Kara says, touching his cheek.

"Good enough," Castis attempts to smile, "I will find you."

But even as he says this, Kara has started disintegrating before his eyes. Someone must be shaking him awake. Castis can do nothing but feel him slip away.

"I'll find you," he repeats though he's not sure Kara can still hear, "I'll find you. I'll find you..."

Suddenly he's alone with his own echo. His eyes open. His sides still ache from the Caging and sitting up is painfully. Nonetheless he struggles to his feet. He moves over to edge of the cell and shouts out to the guards outside the room.

"I need to speak with Captain Joban. It's about the Bonebreaker!"