When they arrived on Sagor, Greyla realized this was the first time she had been on a planet since uploading and leaving Beldora. Just like the interfaces found on the interactive power grids of a ship, they traveled along a special conduit where magiton personas could interact with the physical world in a solid form via plasma projection. A bullet train met them at the space port and whisked them away to meet their host. To her surprise, the entire city was a corporeal interface. It required an enormous amount of energy to build an entire city with a continuous grid.

"I can't imagine how much power it must take to operate on such a grand scale." Greyla commented as they disembarked.

"Leggan can afford it," Anakron said. "The power grid here is flawless. I doubt if the mortals are even aware of the artifice."

"Yes, he rules the wealthiest empire in the Tor Galaxy," Cratus added.

Sag Leggan welcomed them personally as honored guests in his palatial capitol.

“Lord Anakron, what an unexpected pleasure,” Leggan said with a warm handshake. He was a handsome man, dark skinned, with silvery hair woven in a braid down his back. His nails had been allowed to grow long and his hands were adorned with multiple rings set with stunning jewels. He wore layers of flowing silk robes and velvet slippers. Greyla was glad she had worn the fine gown.

“It’s been too long,” Anakron responded, returning the handshake. “May I introduce Lieutenant Cratus and Greyla, our empath.”

“Pleased to meet you Lieutenant. An empath, how interesting. We don’t see many of those. It’s a skill that sadly fades. You must be quite young, my dear,” Leggan said with a broad smile, glancing at Greyla’s bosom.

“I only recently arrived among your kind,” Greyla replied. She worried if she might say the wrong thing and chose her words carefully. They couldn't afford to offend their host. Hal's life may well depend on Leggan's cooperation, ultimately all their lives. They must unite to defeat the demon. Greyla felt a wave of erotic desire and hunger in Sag's persona. He reminded her of Bethon, only more cultivated. “You have a very beautiful home.”

“I'm pleased you think so. I find it comfortable enough," Leggan said, leading them down a broad hallway. "Let me know if you have need of anything. I want your stay here to be perfect.”

They were shown to a long table filled with exotic fruits and cheeses of every sort. Trays of meats, breads and side dishes arrived after they were seated, and a fine banquet was laid before them. Servants poured them each a glass of wine and Leggan offered a toast to their friendship.

Even in their artificially simulated form, the magitons could enjoy the pleasures of eating and drinking though they had no need for nourishment. They experienced satiety and inebriation as if still in mortal bodies.

"And what are friends for, if not to help one another?" he continued. "Let's get to the purpose of your visit."

“I wish it was simply for pleasure, Commander Leggan,” Anakron began, then waited until the last serving staff exited. “The truth is we are here on a matter of great exigency.”

“I suspected as much. Please don’t feel there has to be a reason to visit in the future. I welcome guests at any time, especially those as lovely as your young empath. It brightens my court to have some fresh life.”

Greyla found herself blushing at his compliment and sensed the sexual passions mounting in her host. She knew her influence may be the deciding factor and she must play them to their advantage. She supposed he knew she was reading his emotions in addition to the smiles and fond glances he frequently cast her way.

“First, let me explain the urgent nature of the problem, then the particulars,” Anakron continued. “A demon has broken through from another dimension, fragmented, devolved to an elemental level and is now evolving back into a monstrous creature such as never before seen. Even the ancients are baffled. Our efforts in dealing with him to date have been ineffective. He threatens not only our sector but the entire galaxy. Who knows how far he might extend his predation.”

“May the ancients have mercy on us. What manner of evil sorcery made this possible?” Leggan queried. A shadow of concern crossed his face, and he traced a slender finger over the filigreed engraving of a golden pendant as though to ward off any malevolence.

“It appears to be an accident of nature. To date he has destroyed two ships and their crews, vaporized an asteroid, consumed two dozen or more pods and a probe. He now sits near the center of the Tor galaxy feeding on the energy it emits. He grows stronger as we speak and is currently building his own battleship.”

“What is your current plan to deal with him?”

“We allied with the BakoNaat who were able to condense him into a more manageable form. We lured him to the black hole in hopes of pushing him past the event horizon, but the mission had to be aborted. He consumed the very trap we set for him, and I nearly lost some of my subjects in the process. We are now at a loss and have come to seek your alliance. The entire galaxy must be alerted to the danger and work together if we are to resolve this.” Anakron paused to let the full severity of the situation sink in.

“You have captured my attention, Lord Anakron," Sag said. "To what particulars were you referring?”

“It has to do with the BakoNaat. Admiral Bethon made a serious mistake which has caused a very complicated political division with the Queen of the BakoNaat.”

“Queen? The last of their royal lineage died out centuries ago.”

“They have a new Queen, Commander,” Greyla ventured. “You should know the whole story. I was violently murdered by this demon on our starship, Sora.”

Sag Leggan gasped at the horror of this revelation.

Greyla continued. “My friends and I were newly evolved and unwittingly carried the seed of this evil along with us. It took over our beloved leader, possessed him and murdered almost everyone on board. My ghost survived and took the name Etaine. It is she who became the Ghost Queen Etaine with full blessing of the ancients. I am her duplicate.”

Leggan paused to let Greyla's words sink in. “And what mistake of Bethon's has caused the Queen’s displeasure, Lord Anakron?”

“You hold the key, my friend. Admiral Bethon activated the program file of an old subject of his, HT432047, whom she calls Lotee. This individual was lost in contest and rightfully belongs to you now. It was wrong of Bethon to do so, but he promised this duplicate to the Queen.”

"That's more a concern to the ancients than myself since I still have legal right to my subject."

"Etaine grew quite attached to him. She was highly upset when Bethon deactivated the program and removed him from her service,” Anakron explained. “We wish to purchase him so he may be given to her permanently without any violation of law. Our hope is that she will be appeased and resume fighting the demon.”

"I'm not in the habit of selling my subjects. The only reason I would even consider such a thing is the highly unusual set of circumstances involved."

"I respect your reservations," Anakron agreed. "I would never ask it of you if so many lives weren't endangered. It's distasteful at best but let me make one request."

"Which is?" Sag asked.

"Permit us to speak privately with your subject and I believe he will freely consent."

"Anything you have to say to him, surely you can tell me, Anakron."

"Commander," Greyla broke in softly, "It is only to avoid embarrassment for my sister's sake, for a sister is what I consider Etaine now. It's a matter of love and you must understand how sensitive she is. Etaine would be mortified to know I had shared details of her relationship with any man other than Lotee.”

"It appears Lord Anakron is privy to these details," Leggan postured a feigned insult.

"Not all of them. He didn't share our living quarters as I did," Greyla said appealing to Sag's courtly manners. "I want to transfer all the memory files we have available to your subject. He will need to become Lotee for Etaine."

"And you believe he will consent to this?"

"We have reason to believe he will," Anakron said. "Let me show you this much." He passed a data file of pictures to Leggan. He had chosen only the more civil ones, excluding the explicitly revealing images from Bethon's private collection."

"Oh my," Leggan said as he lingered over each likeness. "I would gladly volunteer to go in Lotee's place. Her beauty is matched only by your own, Greyla dear"

"You flatter me Commander."

"A valid observation. I have no doubt you could convince any man to sacrifice himself to such a Queen with no more cause than what I see in my hand, nor beyond the lovely creature standing before me now.," Sag said, his words practically hummed with desire.

Greyla found herself blushing again in spite of herself. She was reading his every emotion and the lust inspired by Etaine's pictures was raw and unmistakable. It was as though he were undressing her in front of them all. She decided this was a turning point in the negotiation and it was her job to drive it home.

"Her beauty and devotion cannot be conveyed by a picture, Commander," Greyla said. "Etaine is a most passionate creature and was devastated by her loss. She will never stop mourning for Lotee. Name your price."

Sag Leggan was exuding desire and she knew in advance what his answer would be.

"Gain Lotee's consent and I shall grant him to Queen Etaine for something of equal value in exchange."

"What do you want?" Anakron prodded.

"My subject is a mere man, a good man, but nothing so fine or rare as this creature I see. I think his eternal service to the Queen would trade nicely for an evening with her lovely sister." He stared openly at Greyla. "How badly do you want this alliance?"

"I can't agree to that," Anakron shot back at him.

"No, but I can," Greyla said. "And as his guest, I expect the commander will show me a perfect time as he professed earlier."

"I am the master of perfection my dear. It's done then. You will please excuse me and I will summon my subject immediately," Leggan said and left the room.

"Greyla, you don't have to do this," Anakron said taking her arm.

"I think we all know I do," she said. "It's why I came. It's why Bethon gave me this gown."

"I wish I didn't have to know," Cratus said.

"Don't speak a word of this to Tajlon or the others," Greyla ordered. "It's not to go beyond the three of us."

Anakron was visibly agitated. "Greyla, I wish you wouldn't... "

"I'm not a child, Lord Anakron. I know why Etaine chose to take Hal hostage. She doesn't trust any of you and couldn't risk angering the ancients by stealing Tajlon. She knows Bethon is fickle and could change his mind, but Etaine also knows me, perhaps better than I know myself. I love Hal and will do whatever is necessary to get him back. Etaine knew it all along. We're trading my Hal for her Lotee."

* * *

Greyla was escorted to a more remote area of the palace to a dimly lighted space that appeared to be reserved for the elders. Low curtained beds were half hidden in alcoves, piled high with soft pillows and bolsters. Several had the curtains drawn closed for privacy. A group of musicians performed along one wall and exotic dancers moved about the room. Tables filled with fruits and wine were scattered between the alcoves, along with couches and easy chairs.

Greyla was offered a place on a reclining couch that hugged the floor near an open fire pit in the center. Low flames flickered and cast a warm glow. She settled in and took in the surroundings as a group of dancers came over to entertain her. Hidden passions invaded her mind from several directions at once. The musicians played louder to drown out the sounds coming from a nearby alcove but could not block her empathic reception.

Just lying on the couch surrounded by lovemaking was a seductive force and no accident Greyla supposed. Sag Leggan was hoping this tantalizing environment would awaken her passions while she waited for him. A couple of male dancers made their way over to her couch and worked their bodies in sensual waves of motion.

The firelight reflecting off their toned bodies enticed her to watch as they moved closer. One of them knelt, slipped off her shoes and began massaging her feet with a warm scented oil. He was practiced at the craft and slowly began working his way up her legs. His touch was that of a human. Greyla hadn't prepared herself for the shock of interacting with an organic living being.

"The oil will spoil your gown," he said, moving it out of the way and reaching higher to her knee.

"What are you suggesting? That I take it off?" Greyla asked. The warmth of his caress was mesmerizing.

"If you like."

"No thank you. I would want a little more privacy and besides, I'm waiting on someone."

"Commander Leggan will arrive later. Meanwhile I've been instructed to please you in any way you wish. Perhaps an alcove is more to your liking."

"I'll stay here for now, thanks," Greyla said.

"Girls are available if you prefer."

"No, I just wasn't expecting all this attention." Greyla took a glass of sparkling wine from the side table and relaxed to the rhythmic strokes. "You do give a wonderful massage."

"Thank you. I can pleasure you with complete discretion."

"I don't doubt it, but I'm not sure it would be appropriate."

"There's no need to restrict yourself. The commander expects you to indulge."

"Really?"

"He prefers it actually and rarely engages anyone who hasn't been fully aroused first."

"He didn't mention that. I had the impression he wanted to spend a little time with me himself."

"I can see why he would. You are especially nice," he said. "But I sense you're not an elder."

"No. How can you tell?"

"Elders are more straightforward. They get in your head and control things. It allows us to better understand their desires. I don't know what you want from me."

"I hadn't planned any of this, so I have no expectation of you. I can read your emotions, but I don't control anything. I'm an empath. I can sense everything going on behind those curtains."

"Oh my! That must be thrilling," He smiled at the thought.

"Quite."

"Don't you find me attractive?" he asked, working his hands past her knee to the thigh.

"I do. It's just not why I'm here." Despite her reservations, Greyla was enjoying the tactile sensations she had been deprived of for so long.

"Why are you here then?"

"It's a long story, more of a business transaction. I'm engaged to another man and need to work out a few details with the commander so I can see him again."

"True love?"

"I wasn't sure, but I'm convinced now that it is." Greyla recalled her overwhelming fear and desperation when Hal wasn't released by Etaine. "Is this your normal job?"

"Yes. I was fortunate enough to be chosen. Another couple of years and I might be rewarded with ascension."

"So you can serve the elders forever?"

"Yes. Immortality."

"As a sex slave?"

"I don't think of it that way. It's a privilege and I enjoy it immensely. It's only appropriate that a subject serve the elders to best of one's ability, sexual or not. They decide how we should be employed."

"Of course, it makes perfect sense. How would a mere mortal, know what's best?"

"Exactly. They are wise in all things."

"I sense you are content."

"I have a good life. I sense you don't think so." While talking he had worked one hand higher beneath her gown and was now fondling her in a discrete manner.

Greyla was surprised that she didn't object. Her sense of touch was heightened beyond any they had ever been able to reproduce on the Sora. Sag Leggan had perfected the reality grid to a new level. Greyla reached out a hand, enticed by the dancer's soft, supple skin, and let her fingers glide over his bare chest.

"I shouldn't be so judgmental. Look at me. You've seduced me."

"Oh, I can't take all the credit. It's probably the commander. He can be very subtle."

Greyla tried to discern if in fact Leggan was in her head but could not detect his presence. She wondered if he could manipulate her emotions without her knowledge.

A wave of passion overtook her. "Let's find that alcove now."

* * *

The following morning, Cratus piloted the transport back to the Lady Devora. A new passenger disembarked. He closely resembled Lotee except for a neat beard and brown, wavy hair. which swept past his ears and curled about his collar. He wore a tailored suit of fine silk.

Tajlon came to greet them on arrival.

"Tajlon, may I present Kage Loper, the original Lotee," Anakron said.

"Pleased to meet you. Do we address you as Kage or Lotee?"

"I'll answer to either. I suppose Queen Etaine will determine that eventually," Kage said.

"I just hope she accepts you," Tajlon said.

Greyla emerged from the transport and joined the conversation. "She'll trade Hal for Kage. Acceptance may take a while longer," Greyla said.

"How can you be sure, Greyla?" Tajlon asked.

"Oh, she'll trade."

Tajlon sensed there was something more behind Greyla's comment but wisely said nothing. He noticed the fine gown she was wearing and an extravagant necklace. It was studded with blood red rubies and large black pearls which must have cost a small fortune.

"I'll go relieve Yoeke," Cratus said, excusing himself.

"Tajlon, why don't you show our new guest around the ship and answer any questions he may have about Etaine?" Anakron suggested.

"I'd be happy to."

"I'll be in our quarters," Greyla said.

"I would like to have a word with you in private if I may join you there, Grelya," Anakron said.

Greyla looked annoyed but nodded. They slipped past Nova into Greyla's room.

"Please make it brief, Lord Anakron. As you might imagine I didn't get any rest last evening."

"I want to make sure you're alright."

"I'm not harmed. He's far more refined than your friend Bethon. Quite the gentlemen actually."

"I'm sure. Regardless, I'm sorry you were subjected to this. Would you mind if I probed your files?"

"That won't be necessary. I'm not hiding anything you haven't seen before, but it's a little personal."

"I fully agree, but I don't trust Sag Leggan."

"What do you mean?" Greyla asked. "It's done. I'm fine, really I am."

"He's capable of more than you know, wizardry if you will. He could have implanted hypnotic suggestions in your subconscious."

"I think I would have noticed."

"No, you wouldn't. Not in the fervor of the moment."

"Our host seemed a little preoccupied, but I didn't get a sense of espionage from his emotional signature."

"Greyla, I respect your need for privacy which is why I waited until we were alone to have this conversation. But I insist that you allow yourself to be examined, if not by me, then by another elder. Sag is quite capable of multitasking, even during sexual gratification."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. We try not to show off, but you have no idea what an experienced elder can do. Sag Leggan is the oldest living elder in this galaxy and far more advanced than any of us. You were a sweet and tender morsel to him, nothing more."

"Why would he want to use me in such a covert manner?"

"Because he could. It's just business for him. He's not one to miss an opportunity."

"All right," Greyla acquiesced. "Better you than Bethon."

"I thought as much. Sit down. It won't take long then I'll leave you to rest. We can discuss my findings later."

Nova appeared to be fast asleep in the other room, but his keen hearing caught every word.