Guarding Gemini

Acknowledgements

To everyone that ever believed in me, encouraged me, and pushed me to be better and better. Thank you, more than I can express.

To my street team, for putting up with the teasing glimpses! I love you ladies; you help me keep it straight!

But most of all, to my poor MrMan, you had no idea what you were getting into when you both agreed to marry me, and when you encouraged me to write – and publish – that first book! I couldn’t do this without you, and I cherish you each and every day.

I know that this book has taken forever to get here, and I truly do apologize. The last year was one full of strife for me as a person, and self-discovery as a writer. Thank you all for patiently waiting for this book, I truly appreciate it and all of the support you’ve shown me.

Synopsis

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How much can one woman take? Her mother is gone, her father has moved out, and now her car has chugged its last mile. Carol Denise Mithuna, whom everyone called her Denise, was at the end of her rope. What might have been the final straw, was actually a blessing in disguise! Working as a Meter Maid wasn’t her dream job, but when she crashes – quite literally – into two men, her life is turned upside down and rockets into outer space!

Raven and his identical twin brother, Hawk, are content with their lot in life. They’re charge of communications and work in the security department for the UGS Constellation, when their lives are sent through an upheaval that will change everything. They’re sent to rescue the UGS Second in Command, Tracker, after they lose contact with him for over twenty-four hours. What they’ll discover on their mission is something completely different, and wholly delicious.

Together, the three of them set out to solve a mystery that will bring them to new discoveries, dangerous situations, and deadly consequences. The least of which is Timuit, the scourge of the United Galactic Securities, who is sent to the Constellation to assist in the investigation of illegal clones, murder, and intrigue.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Synopsis

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Epilogue

About the Author

Additional books by HA Fortman

Glossary

Prologue

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The noise and commotion coming from the bridge of the UGS Constellation was nothing more than a muted buzz to Chase as he stood behind the tall black leather chair in the center of the room. His knuckles turned white as the grip intensified, before he consciously forced them to relax once more.

His mind replayed the battle with his identical twin. Try as he might, Chase couldn’t stop the horrific scene as it looped over and over again. His own mirror image had tried to kill not just Chase, but his Anare, Elisa. Their people were blessed with one, and only one destined mate; for all Chase knew she could have been meant for them both. It was rare, but not unheard of, for fraternal twins to share a mate.

He felt more like a spectator, instead of the perpetrator, as he remembered his hand lifting, pointing the gun at his brother. Chase watched as the other man charged after Elisa, intent on murdering her before Chase’s very eyes.

Much as Chase wanted, he couldn’t stop the memory, as the blood began to blossom in a morbid flower from the shots he was forced to make. He had to protect Elisa, and it was clear that Mestrock was never going to stop.

Sadly, it meant he had to unwillingly end his own brother’s life. How Chase wished it could have been otherwise, and he knew that he had reacted without thought, but that didn’t mean his family would understand.

The soft touch of a small hand coming to rest against his arm startled him out of his morbid thoughts. How could such a delicate woman bring such consolation with a mere touch? Chase didn’t know, didn’t really care. It was enough to know that she did.

He rested one hand over hers, giving her a soft squeeze before returning to his thoughts. This time, they weren’t hazed over with oppressive darkness.

This time, his mind was able to analyze each minute detail impartially. With that one simple touch, Elisa allowed him to release the guilt that had been plaguing him.

Someone had to bring Mestrock home to face justice for the murderous spree that he had been committing all over the known galaxies. Chase was the only one that would be able to, the only one that knew the man better than Mestrock knew himself, so the United Galactic Securities had sent Chase and the Constellation to capture him.

After a long search, he’d finally caught up with Mestrock on a small, remote, and primitive planet. The people of Earth had no idea what they were facing, only that its authorities were chasing after an insane serial killer.

An assassin that left odd clues at each scene; as well as sending letters to several editors and newspapers. Scratching messages in odd places, and each letter accompanied with notes that were filled with odd symbols they couldn’t decipher.

Chase, however, knew the truth. He could read the basteel’s notes, knew that the bastard had been daring the UGS to come and try to capture him. Each letter was nothing more than a signed confession of every atrocity and a declaration of what he intended to do next.

He did have to be thankful to his brother, in an odd twist of fate. If Chase hadn’t been sent to capture Mestrock, he never would have run into Elisa, literally.

He never would have found his Anare, that one woman designed by the Lords and Ladies, the Gods and Goddesses of his faith, to be his mate for life. However, he was now faced with a challenge he never saw coming.

His Anare’s best friend was missing; kidnapped by a raving lunatic that had made sure he was aware of it.

The perpetrator had gone so far as to call the police detective they had worked with, gloating that he had taken Sandy and was going to kill her if they didn’t deliver Elisa to him.

In retrospect, he never should have sent Tracker alone, but he would be damned if he just turned Elisa over blindly to a crazed man.

None of them knew that Mestrock had a partner, hell they didn’t even know if it was just one other man.

He was certain about one thing; he couldn’t sit back and wait. Not when there was something, or rather someone he could send to rescue her.

Thankfully, Tracker – his First Officer – had gone to save her. Chase never had the chance to order Tracker to go; he’d been packed and racing off into the unknown as soon as he’d heard about the situation.

Setting his sights on a place called Detroit, Michigan, where the mystery man claimed to be holding Sandy.

~*~*~

Soft beeps and clicks echoed about the metal encased room. Several desks lined the walls, each black surface filled with holographic readings that hovered several inches above the desk. All were filled with smaller windows that scrolled with information too fast for the human eye to see.

Sitting at each of the twelve desks were men and women, their heads bowed as they listened to the transmissions through their headsets.

Some were murmuring softly into a headset, conversing with others on different ships and other worlds. While others were intently tapping away at lit up keys on the smooth black surfaces before them as they transcribed messages for other stations, or overheard conversations that might lead to the apprehension of a wanted suspect or criminal.

Two men, identical in almost every way, studiously listened to the soft chirps coming from their larger consoles. Seated side by side, they watched batches of information slip before them.

Their athletic builds were encased in soft black flight suits that accentuated each muscle. They weren’t as built as some of the others sitting next to them, but their frames belied their strength. Short, chocolate brown hair flecked with streaks of blond curled haphazardly, giving a tousled appearance.

With better vision than most, Hawk and Raven were easily able to catch each snippet of information as it cascaded across their four screens.

From time to time one or the other would reach out to touch the hovering hologram, causing it to pause while they looked more deeply into the information streaming past.

Officers Raven, Hawk...? A soft voice cut through their concentration, bringing twin heads swiveling to the young cadet standing between their combined desks. While they were merely the second in command of security for the UGS Constellation, they were the first in command of its communications center.

The young male standing behind them shuffled nervously from one foot to the other, clearly nervous but needing something from them.

As was often the case, their department aboard the Constellation often mentored young men, giving them the chance to experience life within the UGS before committing to it.

Both men spun around in their tall backed chairs, each arching an opposite brow; Hawk’s left and Raven’s right, although most never noticed the simple distinction.

When they spoke together, it was usually enough to put someone off, more so than when each finished the other’s sentence, Yes ensign, what do you need?

Smaller than the brothers, Raiju shifted his weight again nervously. Skilled with anything electrical, his Fadare had chosen a gift him with a call-name taken from ancient Japanese lore; if he had a true-name the brothers didn’t know it. His light blond hair gave the impression of lightening, accentuated by his golden eyes and whipcord thin body.

Before anyone could say another word, a soft tone sounded from behind Hawk. Just as he turned back to his screens another insistent, louder, screech started behind Raven. Soon both stations were setting off alarms, drawing the attention of anyone near.

With rapid, efficient movements, Hawk switched off both alarms and scanned the screens. His fingers flew over the console, dragging up several other smaller screens within the main viewing area.

With a soft growl of annoyance, Hawk grabbed the edges of the holograph and stretched it to each side, widening the main window. Tracker’s CR didn’t check in; the last report was over twenty-eight nuvares!

His last medical transmission is disconcerting. It shows elevated hormones, and minor trauma to his chest with possibly a slight concussion. Raven’s deep voice came from over Hawk’s shoulder just as he tapped one of the reports and slid it from his own station to Hawk’s.

With a feeling of dread, the Twins glanced at each other before launching themselves out of the small chamber. They didn’t have to share words, both felt the same sense of dread, of urgency as they raced down the short hallway. Never before had it felt like such a long distance from their station to the Bridge.

*~*~*

Commander! An urgent voice broke into his thoughts, drawing Chase’s attention to the two men before him. How had they managed to approach without his notice?

Hawk, Raven. He returned their salute, his left hand crossed over his chest, the open palm slapping his right shoulder as he tilted his head down.

The two men stood shoulder to shoulder at attention, their lean bodies coiled with tension conveyed their deep concern. While they weren’t as tall as his six foot eight, only standing six feet four, or as muscular as Chase, he knew they were both capable fighters.

Their dark brown, nearly black, hair with its golden highlights was naturally mussed, curling over at the tips even though they kept it short. It only accentuated their angular jaws and high cheek bones.

Adding to the intense stare through their moss green eyes, Chase knew they had the sharpest vision among those on the Constellation.

Commander...

We have been monitoring...

Tracker’s CR signals...

Throwing a hand up, Chase shook his head. One of you speak, I cannot keep track when you volley back and forth.

It’s worse than a Tennis match! Elisa’s softly spoken words as she perched in his command chair brought a round of quiet chuckles.

We apologize. The slightly taller Hawk, with the marginally darker eyes, nodded to Elisa before turning to Chase. We have been monitoring Tracker’s Cerebral Recorder, according to standard procedures, when there is a solo mission. We were watching even more closely after the broken missive was received.

Chase nodded, Go on.

Watching as the two identical men took a deep breath, their moss-green eyes flicking to each other, The problem is worse than we thought, Sir. There have been no updates from his CR, not even the standard health monitoring. We would like permission to take one of the small fighters and fly ahead of the Constellation. To search for, and assist, Tracker should he need it.

He felt the hand on his arm tighten, Elisa’s fingers digging into his bicep. Why?

Raven, slightly shorter than his older brother, cleared his throat before answering, There have been no transmissions from Tracker’s CR in over twenty-four hours, Sir.

What? Why was I not informed immediately?

We wanted to make sure it was not due to atmospheric interruption, Sir. Or some other technical difficulties, because of the distance, disrupting the signal. We do not think that Tracker is even aware of his CR malfunctioning.

Nodding, Chase stared closely at both men. They were concerned, and rightfully so. Tracker was like a brother to many aboard the ship. He tended to ingratiate himself into the lives of each and every member on board the Constellation.

Often encouraging the men to come to him with their problems, no matter how small they may seem. Tracker always had time, just as Chase did, for the crew.

Go. Find him. Assist him however you need to. But... He threw a hand up to stall the men; both had already turned and started to dash off the Bridge. Report every new find, especially when you locate him. Make sure to take anything Yannick thinks you will need to repair Tracker’s CR.

Yes Sir! Chase watched as both men turned, barely pausing to salute him, and raced from the large room.

That had been several days ago, and Chase had since heard reports from them that had him pacing the confines of his quarters. Back and forth, each step slow and measured. There was nothing he could do at the moment. Nothing but wait for more information while they hovered precariously on the dark side of the Earth’s only moon.

Currently, they’d located Tracker’s crashed shuttle. They had followed the trail to where Tracker had been saved by what appeared to be a male. A man who lived alone in the mountains, residing in a ramshackle cabin that hid a plethora of tunnels.

Further along, Tracker’s Chimba and this other person had apparently saved Tracker from a sniper, a woman by the size of her tracks. She had apparently pinned the injured Officer before the three of them left to the man’s secluded cabin.

Once there, they had backtracked; the woman escaped, taking her shuttle off to where they assumed Sandy was being held.

The Twins had managed to catch up with Tracker, Aruk the Chimba, and another male. It appeared that, from Hawk and Raven’s most recent report, Tracker had found his Anare in a male named Rex.

Chase couldn’t wait to meet them.

Now... now it was just a waiting game until they all returned.

Chapter 1

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Hawk raced ahead of his brother through the narrow halls of the Constellation. He’d always been just a bit faster, but Raven was better in other ways. Not that the two of them cared or competed against each other.

As a team, they were unstoppable.

Raven, you go to Yannick, see if there’s anything we need to add to the med kits. I’ll head to the fighter and get things started there.

They didn’t even pause, each taking off in an opposite direction, down a different hallway when it intersected with another.

Hawk to the docking bays, Raven to the medical wing. Neither slowed their mad dash through the crowded halls, merely dodging and weaving around when needed; the brothers knew their time was short.

They were overcome with a sense of urgency, one that wouldn’t be ignored or placated. The man that had taken them in when they were fledglings to the UGS, treated them as younger siblings, had gone missing. They were determined to find him.

Raven and Hawk had only been in uniform for four years; at twenty-one they knew they had some ways to go before they would ever be as good as Tracker. To have risen as high as they had in the security field, as rapidly as they had, was a blessing they would never forget.

Raven dashed into the medical ward, sliding sideways through the door seconds before it closed. Doctor Yannick! Hurry!

Not pausing to see if Yannick was in his office or not, he instead went to the far left corner of the brightly lit area.

Waving his hand over the sensor caused the panel to move aside silently, revealing a storage area where everything extra was kept. Quickly, we need anything you can think of. Tracker’s CR has gone offline and we do not know what to expect. At the very least we will need items necessary to repair, or even replace the nano’s in his system, or more. We just do not know at this point.

Shelves lined the wall, seven feet high in the air and filled with an infinite array of boxes, bags, and metal tools wrapped in sterile paper. Most of the items in the room were a mystery to Raven, but those needed and usually kept in emergency field kits were things he knew how to identify and better yet, use.

Easy, tell me exactly what is going on? Shuffling feet carried across the room as four hands gripped his shoulders. I cannot assess what might be needed without knowing.

Wrenching himself free from the hands, Raven began to fill Yannick in with more details. He moved to the back of the room and started throwing random items into one of the cloth bags kept near the door. Simple items such as a few Midnight Bullets, gauze, even sutures on the off chance that there were serious injuries.

As he spoke, other items were thrown into the bag. Thankfully, Yannick picked up on his desperation and instead of arguing with him, started to assist.

If it is as bad as you suspect, then you will need this. Cautiously, Yannick lifted a small red metal box off of a top shelf. Three hands cupped the bottom of the shining box while the fourth curled protectively over the top. Do not drop this. It is invaluable.

What is it? Raven couldn’t keep the curiosity out of his voice as he stared at the rectangular box. It wasn’t very large, only about five inches wide and deep while being a foot long.

It is something that will allow you to look into the inner workings of Tracker’s CR, and repair or replace it without the need for surgery. It is easy to use; unlike the ones they keep on Base. Simply hold it at the back of his skull and press the green button. It will walk you through the next steps.

The hand holding the top of the box lifted the lid slowly. Inside looked like a simple hand mirror with a series of buttons arranged down the long, smooth handle.

At the very top of the row, was the green button. He needs to sit still and not move while you are repairing it, but usually it only takes a few minutes.

Taking the box, after closing the lid, Raven tucked it close to his chest. He held it tenderly, like a precious baby. Thank you, Doctor. I will be sure it is returned to you just as it is now.

I know you will, Raven... or Hawk. I apologize, but I can never tell the two of you apart. Yannick turned, leading the way out of the small room.

A soft chuckle preceded Raven as he followed, as a need to get even for a previous prank his brother had pulled overcame him, Even our own family has that problem, Doctor. I am Hawk; Raven is down at the docking bay getting one of the fighters ready for takeoff.

Raven paused in the center of the medical area, a hand gripping Yannick’s shoulder. Thank you, Doctor, for everything. I will make sure that the Commander fills you in on any news we have to report.

I would appreciate that, Hawk. Now go, you have a harrying journey ahead of you. Yannick turned, making shooing motions at Raven, urging him out and on his way.

He should have corrected the Doctor before he took off, but Raven didn’t pause to, as the sense of urgency increased and drove him from the small medical bay.

Securing the bag with its various medical supplies, and the delicate box, Raven once more took off at a dead run down the maze, skipping and jumping around other bodies as they created obstacles for him in the narrow five-foot-wide hallways.

He never paused, knowing exactly which fighter his brother would have chosen. It was the one they always took, even though the ships were never assigned to specific people.

Older than the others, it was smaller and only accommodated a two-man team – the newer ones carried either one or four-man teams. All of its systems and weapons were hand operated, rather than being computer run. The brothers always preferred to be in absolute control of as many systems as they could.

Tossing the medical supplies into the small compartment behind the side-by-side seats, Raven carefully handed off the red box to his brother before climbing in beside him. Lock that down. Yannick said that it will repair any CR without the need for surgery, he will kill you personally if it is not returned in working order.

Why does Yannick think he gave it to me? Hawk’s voice, so much like Raven’s it often added to the confusion others felt when dealing with them, was clearly annoyed. Almost as though he knew his brother was picking on him, but couldn’t prove it just yet.

Because he thinks I’m you! Raven couldn’t resist teasing his brother. He made sure to do so at any opportunity, especially when Hawk took every chance for mischief at Raven’s expense.

Hawk shook his head and closed the upper hatch of the black fighter once Raven had climbed inside. The clear, dome-like shell locked over their heads, making a seamless, unbroken line over the top and sides of their sleek ship.

Unlike a shuttle, the fighter was more streamlined and angular. There was no large bay behind the pilots, making the fighter more maneuverable and considerably faster. It looked much like a shrunken version of the shuttle, though.

Raven wasn’t given the chance to lock himself into his seat by the harness. His brother chose to get back at him by launching out of the bay as fast as the little ship could, resulting in Raven being roughly thrown back into his seat.

Struggling to gather the straps and lock them into place, Raven had just managed to grab hold of the fifth and final strap across his waist when Hawk turned the ship in a ninety-degree angle, spinning it upside down and making Raven smack his hand against the hard side. Basteel! Let me lock down before you start your stunts!

Hawk’s deep, thrumming laugh was his only answer. Although, he did thankfully wait for that final click of the belt before he started flying like a madman, pushing the fighter as fast as it could go ahead of the massive form of the Constellation.

Chapter 2

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It wouldn’t take them long to reach Earth. Pushing the engines in the small ship as hard as they could, the brothers would arrive there within a few short hours.

The