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guard the precious cargo on its trip
to Vanguard Island. All the samurai kept a hand on their long daito
blade hilts. These guards were enhanced with cybernetic implants
which sped up their reflexes and agility. In return, it made them
even more efficient killers. They could slice an opponent in half
with ease and in the blink of an eye.
    While they waited for the Falcanian to
appear, Frederika struck up her conversation with Mia once again,
and hoped to glean more details about their hosts. “Mia, tell me
about these Falcanians.”
    The black haired girl grinned. “They’re an
interesting people.”
    “Is it true, do they have wings?”
    “They... Are not like us.”
    Frederika hid her irritation and pushed
forward. “Und what does that mean?”
    “Genetic engineering has remade them into
creatures more than human. The Japanese term for Falcanians is
Arashitenshi, stormangels . Yes they have –”
    “I am Ch'Kran, of the house of Trakan,”
boomed a baritone voice.
    All heads turned as the owner stepped onto
deck. Concealed in a charcoal cloak the Falcanian walked before the
gathered females. He carried himself with an heir of superiority.
Slowly he turned to inspect his charges, the exotic dancers meant
for his Lord Drakonis's pleasure.
    “Ch'Kran means 'he who brings chaos and
strife',” Mia whispered. “A Telchar, one of they're religious
figures. Like angels, –”
    Ch'Kran's sapphire eyes zeroed in on the two
women. The inner talon of his right tri-claw boot tapped on the
deck. “I am the Padishah Shotar, Sharr Khan Mingh Drakonis's eyes
in the outer kingdom. What I see, he sees.”
    The Falcanian stared directly at Frederika.
She swallowed hard at the Falcanian as she met his gaze. He
projected an animal magnetism which she had never felt from any
other human being. A primal surge coursed out of the cloaked being
and penetrated her own core.
    He had white-bronze skin, yet his features
were hard to place. At moments they seemed very Asian, but when she
looked again they appeared European. Her eyes fell to the
tri-clawed boot and its robotic talon that clacked on the deck. For
a brief moment she noticed what she thought to be an armored
tail.
    Ch'Kran walked over to her, grinned. “Very
lovely. Exquisite.”
    Frederika didn't flinch as he touched her
cheek. It wasn't the first time a horny male pushed into her
boundaries, she had encountered more than her share given her
profession as a spy for her nation, yet Frederika had never been
inspected like this. She was surprised at herself. It wouldn't have
been the first time she'd had to put a male in his place. But with
this Falcanian, she couldn't help herself and let the unasked for
contact go without reproach.
    “Good. You do not flinch. I think Sharr will
like you.” Ch’Kran grinned. “My Lord enjoys haughty women.”
    The Falcanian turned his attention back to
the rest of the females to finish the inspection. A few minutes
later, he stepped on a small podium. “The Falcanian Khanate bids
you welcome. Once we reach Vorkrür, your time among us shall be
filled with many interesting sights. All your needs will be tended
to. Food, clothing, and anything else that will make your stay with
us more pleasant shall be provided. When you leave, you shall
receive many gifts as compensation for your time. We Falcanians
only ask that you obey our law and respect our traditions.”Again
Ch'Kran glanced at Frederika. “In your cabins, you will find the
first of your gifts given to you by my Lord Sharr Khan. Go now and
rest. We have a long journey ahead.”
    The Chrysanthemum Maru broke
moorings, and left the dock to head for open sea.
     
     
    Luck was with her, Frederika and Mia were to
share the same cabin. The synthetic girl at last could get some
answers she hoped about these Falcanians. On her sleeping mat,
Frederika came across an unusual flower. Its long yellow elliptical
petals were splotched with vermilion and pulsed with a soft
luminance. She touched