A pool with… a weapons rack? Free flash fiction #SciFi #Excerpt #MFRWhooks

Izzorah squinted in the sunlight. The warm air smelled clean; the pool sparkled, as clear blue as a lake on Felidae. White decking reflected the sun, and groups of lounge chairs waited at different points, bright blue-and-green pillows the only splashes of color. On the other side of the pool sat a white canopy where their android butler had set up an outdoor grill. Smoke drifted upward, bringing the tantalizing scent of cedar.

Out of habit from when he'd been sight impaired, Izzorah held the rail as he descended the wide steps toward the deck, but halfway down, he let go. The freedom of being able to take stairs without fear of stumbling over what he couldn't see, or losing his breath because of his weak heart made him smile. He jumped the last two steps and bounced, laughing. The rough tiles heated his bare feet, and he ran the long way around the pool, past the deep end. The scent of clean water filled the humid air.

Izzorah tossed his towel across a chair, picked up a bright blue floatie, and flung it into the water. Pulling off his shirt, he took a deep, cleansing breath, and allowed himself to relax.

McDoth stepped out from beneath the canopy. "You look chipper."

"If that means in a good mood, then yes. I am." Izzorah stretched, inhaling the scent of lime, green onions, and spice. "Wow, it smells wonderful out here." He followed the scent to its source. The brick barbecue held glowing coals. "Is there meat?"

"Touch the wall to the right of the pit, Master Izzorah."

When he did, a panel slid sideways, revealing shelves of cold drinks and two huge slabs of beef. His mouth watered. "This wall has hidden compartments like the bed."

"Yes." McDoth gestured toward the wall. "There are others. No doubt sir would want you to know they were there."

Izzorah patted the wall, but nothing happened. "Where?"

"There are four decorative stones set in wall. The barbecue, food keeper, weapons rack, and a supply cabinet are directly beneath them."

"Weapons?" He faced McDoth. "We're on our honeymoon."

"One never knows when an enemy may strike, Master Izzorah. It's best to be prepared."

That sounded like Izzorah's mother. "I suppose it is." He moved a little to the right, found the stone, and touched it. A panel snapped to the right, and three racks of weapons popped out. "There must be a dozen guns here. Are they loaded?"

"Of what use is an unloaded weapon?"

"But... is it safe? A guest could lean against this."

McDoth folded his hands before him. "It opens only to those who have access. Sir asked me to make sure every panel in every residence would open at your command."

"That's so cool!" How much must Luc trust him to do that? "Thank you, McDoth. How do you close it?"

"Touch the stone."

Izzorah tapped it, and the rack closed.

A splash from the pool sent water across Izzorah's feet, and he turned to find Luc surfacing. His lover swam toward him. "Come in! The water's great."

Izzorah took a running leap, jumped, and wrapped his arms around his drawn up legs as he plunged into the pool. He kicked to the surface, wiped his face, and swam toward Luc.

"This is perfect." Luc held onto the side of the pool, smiling. "Blue sky, a day to do nothing but eat, sleep, and play."

After a quick kiss, Izzorah nodded toward the brick wall. "I saw the weapons rack. Are we expecting company?"

"We are not. But I don't take unnecessary chances. After lunch, I'd like to do some target practice. You up for that?"

In the water, Izzorah couldn't read Luc's emotions, but he was learning to read his expression. "I'm up for anything."

Luc quirked one eyebrow. "Are you now?"

Izzorah cuddled against him. "This is our honeymoon, and I intend to enjoy every minute. All day, and all night. Every single day."

"Mmm. I like that attitude." Luc drew him closer. "Let me show you what else I have in mind for today..."

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