by Ava York
“So, if you were allowed to see your family, you’d still come back to us?”
“I don’t know.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “I haven’t exactly had time to process everything. It’s still so new. I’m still getting used to the fact that I’m on another planet in another solar system.”
“Right.” He sighed. “I forget that long-distance space travel is a novelty to humans.”
I laughed. “Could you possibly sound more condescending?”
We walked into the other shop that appeared to focus on herbs, salves, and other natural remedies. Javik looked through the shelves with a critical eye.
“You don’t seem like the plant-healing type,” I commented.
“I’m not foolish enough to discount certain types of medicines just because they aren’t crafted in a lab.”
We paid quickly and left the shop. We’d been gone from the ship for forty-five minutes. We’d be back just in time for liftoff, assuming Kyre made the required repairs and Derrix secured the necessary gunnery.
“Why are you so worried about what I’m going to do?” I asked.
“Ever since you came to us, the Captain seems,” he struggled to find the right word, “sharper.”
“Sharper?”
“He’s more focused, more decisive. It’s not that he wasn’t those things before. He’s the Captain for a reason, after all. But with you around, he seems different in a good way. I’d hate for him to lose that. He’s my friend. As are you.”
“I am?” I grinned.
“Yes, you’ve passed my vetting process.”
“I’m honored.” I bent at the waist in a mock bow. “You’re my friend, too.”
A huge smile spread across Javik’s face.
Basking in our newly solidified friendship, we carried our goods back to the Calliope, and prepared for battle.
Rekker
Lila and Javik returned quickly with the medical supplies. I followed them into the med bay to double-check their stocks. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust them, I simply wanted to make sure we had everything we needed before setting off. We wouldn’t have another chance to restock until we returned to the outpost.
“Greetings, Cap,” Javik nodded. “Here to inspect?”
“Indeed,” I said, and nodded. “I trust you found everything.”
“Not quite,” Javik said. “There were a few things the shops were out of, but they aren’t vital. As long as we can disinfect and bandage the wounds we come across, we’ll be in good shape.”
“What about viruses?”
“I picked up a few general antibiotics. However, they aren’t universal to all races. We may encounter some captives who can’t be treated with what we have.”
“That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
“I also purchased a good amount of sedatives for the disturbed.”
“Disturbed?” Lila said. Up until now, she’d been happily organizing the medicine cabinets.
“The Suhlik have a talent for breaking the minds of those they take captive,” I explained. “They usually start by isolating their victims in darkness. They’ll use fear and disorientation to break the wills of others. Remember what I told you about the Suhlik kidnapping Mahdfel mates?”
“I do,” Lila said solemnly.
“The Suhlik love to do things like that. They’ll take a mother away from a daughter and torment her to force the daughter into submission.”
My mind went to Binuf and his family. I knew Lila’s mind followed the same train of thought.
“They’d use my sisters against me if they could,” she said quietly.
“Without a doubt,” I said. “That’s why I was given legal responsibility over you. It’s for your safety and the safety of your family.”
Lila looked pale. I felt terrible bringing up her sisters in this context, but if it helped her to understand the gravity of the situation, it was worth the shock.
At that moment, Cedroc entered the med bay.
“Coordinates?” he asked, as brief as ever.
“Any reason you’re not using the radio?” Javik asked.
He shrugged. “I don’t know how long a flight I’m in for. I wanted to stretch my legs.”
Lila swallowed a laugh.
“Well, you and Javik are going to have to figure it out,” I answered, then held up a hand to stop their questions. “I asked around the settlement for more details about the size of the Suhlik ship. It’s a smaller vessel, one of their raiders.”
I rubbed the base of my horns. I didn’t like this, but it was all we had. “I don’t think it would have the space or fuel to transport so many prisoners all the way to the nearest breeding facility.”
“Then where did they go?” Lila asked. “Is there a way to track them? Don’t ships leave a trail or something?”
Javik shook his head. “The ion trail would be long dispersed by now.” His mouth tightened into a thin line. “Once they left orbit, they could have traveled to anywhere in the galaxy.”
Lila looked devastated. “Then how are we going to find them?” She rested her hand on my forearm. “You have a plan, right?”
Warmth spread through my chest at her trust.
“I’ve checked the chatter from other captains who have been through this area recently,” I continued. “It’s not certain, but they suspect there’s a cloaked Suhlik supply hub at these coordinates.” I tapped a sheet of plex. “A ship that size might drop off a group of prisoners there and have a larger ship come and pick them up later to take to be fully processed.”
“I’m not sure we should investigate rumors,” Javik said. “It could be nothing more than a wild goose chase.”
“It’s what we have,” I answered. “Besides, apparently a number of smaller ships have gone missing in the area. There’s no other astronomical effect that would account for it.” I cocked an eyebrow. “Unless you don’t think you’re up to the task . . .”
Javik’s eyes narrowed. “I had thought such petty manipulation to be beneath you.” But then he relaxed. “Of course I can do it. If there’s something there, I’ll find it.”
He and Cedroc headed for the bridge, plotting out the first step of the journey.
“What if they aren’t there?” Lila asked softly.
“Don’t worry about that now,” I advised her. “If you allow yourself to get caught up in what-if’s, you’ll lose yourself.”
A sad smile flickered at the corner of her mouth.
“I used to tell my younger sisters stuff like that all the time.”
I smiled at her. “It’s good advice. Listen to it.”
“I’ll try.”
I had no doubts they’d figure it out. It was a dice roll, betting that the prisoners had been taken to a supply hub that we weren’t sure existed, and were still there.
Now for another gamble. And this one wasn’t as sure of a bet.
Lila resumed her task of stocking the shelves and drawers in the med bay. For a few moments, I allowed myself the pleasure of just watching her.
I noticed a change in her movements. She no longer looked relaxed. She looked tense, stressed, and a little scared. I had to constantly remind myself that all of this was new to her.
The crew and I had become desensitized to charging after Suhlik war vessels and diving into battle without hesitation. Lila had never even seen a Suhlik before. It wasn’t surprising that she couldn’t fully wrap her head around what’s happening or that she’d be shaken by the harsh realities of war.
“Lila,” I said. “I have a different assignment for you.”
“Yes?”
“Come with me, I’ll explain on the way.”
Lila looked confused, but she didn’t argue. She followed me out of the med bay, back to our shared room.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Grab your pack,” I instructed.
“Why?” She tilted her head.
“I’m going to ask Binuf to look after you while we go after the Suhlik v
essel.”
“What?” Lila’s eyes widened with anger.
I was confused.
“Does that not please you?” I asked slowly.
“You’re leaving me behind,” she snapped. “How is that supposed to please me?”
“It’s for your safety,” I tried to explain, but she was having none of it.
“What happened to everything you said about having to stay with me because I’m your responsibility? Does that only apply when you want to be responsible for me? Are you allowed to send me off to others when you don’t want to deal with me?”
“What? No!” I shook my head, taken aback. Somehow, I’d made an error and offended her. “My job is to keep you safe and I feel that leaving you here is the best way to do that.”
“What about what I feel?” she shot back. “Did it occur to you to ask me?”
“I assumed you’d be relieved. You looked nervous after hearing about the Suhlik’s methods of psychological torture.”
“Of course I was! It’s horrible. That doesn’t mean I’m going to hide in the stockroom of some shop on an alien planet where I don’t know anyone.”
“Binuf will treat you with kindness,” I assured her.
“That’s not the point.” She groaned. “What if something happens to you? What if the Calliope doesn’t come back? I’m not about to risk getting stuck on a tiny planet in the middle of the black with no steady transport anywhere else.”
“The Calliope will return for you,” I promised her. “I will return for you.”
“I’m going with you.” She folded her arms across her chest and fixed me with a withering glare.
“No, you’re not.” I frowned. “I can’t do my job properly if I’m worried sick over you. If you’re somewhere safe, I’ll be able to focus.”
“This outpost isn’t safe anymore. The Suhlik have seen to that.”
“This isn’t up for debate.”
“Why? Because I belong to you now? You think you can just order me around and I’ll obey you like some kind of mindless creature?”
“Why are you being so difficult?” I growled.
“You’re the one being difficult. Why did you send me to get medical supplies with Javik if you didn’t want my help?”
“I hadn’t had the chance to accurately assess the dangers. Now that I have, I’m unwilling to drag you into such an uncertain mission.”
“Then you should’ve left me at that first base,” she huffed. “At least there, I could’ve gone back to my family while you ran around being a hero, but no! I needed to come with you. Now I’m here. You don’t get to cast me off whenever you please.”
“Lila,” I pleaded.
“Don’t use that voice on me,” she snapped. “I’m coming with you. That’s final. I’m not part of the crew. You’re not my Captain. You can’t tell me what to do.”
“I’m more than your Captain. I’m your mate.”
“No, I’m your mate. There’s nothing about your glowing tattoo that indicates it’s a two-way street.”
Her words stung. I saw regret pass through her gaze the moment she finished speaking.
“I’m sorry,” she sighed, pressing her hand against her forehead. “That came out wrong. I’m just frustrated.”
“I can tell.” I offered a smile, but she wasn’t ready to play nice yet. “No more shouting. Let’s talk about this rationally.”
“I can do that,” she nodded.
We sat on the bed beside each other.
“Why don’t you want to stay behind?” I asked her. “It’s arguably safer.”
“I realize that,” she said. “I need you to understand something about me. I grew up on a farm. In order for the farm to survive, everyone has to pull their weight. There are no free rides and no freeloaders. It was ingrained into me at an early age that if there is something to be done, you get up and do it. No excuses, barring illness or broken bones.”
“I see.”
“So, when people have been taken from their homes,” she leaned towards me, expression intense, “and I know they’re scared and probably injured, every inch of my being screams for me to help in any way I can. The idea of sitting idle in Binuf’s shop while everyone else puts themselves at risk is unbearable to me. I can help, too. You know I can.”
I sighed, knowing the sound of my own defeat.
She pressed her advantage. “I can administer injections, stitch up wounds, set broken bones, and bandage just about anything. Imagine if you reported that to your superior and he told you to ignore it. How would you feel?”
“Terrible,” I admitted. “It would go against everything I stand for.”
“Exactly. Can’t you see that’s how I would feel if you made me stay behind?”
“I can. And you bring up a good point. The people on the Suhlik vessel are going to need care.”
“So, can I come along?”
I still didn’t like the idea of bringing my mate into danger.
It went against my most primal instincts. However, one look at Lila’s steely gaze told me she was asking permission as a courtesy. She’d fight me every step of the way if I tried to remove her from the ship.
“You can come on one condition.”
She eyed me warily. “What’s the condition?”
“If you’re going to be involved in missions, you’re going to need some training. I’m going to teach you how to defend yourself.”
“I can throw a punch.” She shrugged. “And I’m stronger than I look.”
“I’m sure you are,” I replied dryly. “But the Suhlik are highly trained from the moment they can lift a weapon. You’re going to need to know how to do more than punch. Do you accept my condition?”
“Absolutely.” She beamed, throwing her arms around my neck. I held her against me, burying my nose in her hair.
“You’re a tough negotiator, you know that?”
“I’ve been told,” she laughed, then went quiet. “Rekker?”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry about that mate comment. I didn’t mean to make it sound like I don’t care about you. I do care.”
“I know you do.”
At least, part of me did.
But was it enough?
Lila
“When does my training start?” I asked, pulling away from his embrace. More and more often, I found myself wanting to be nearer to him.
When the Calliope landed on Silva and I’d stumbled into his arms, I was hesitant to step away from him. I only did so when I felt like it would be awkward for me to do otherwise.
It felt nice to have his arms around me, to be encased in such tangible strength. I knew we didn’t have much time, but I didn’t want to see the creature capable of forcing his arms open to get to me. I was beginning to doubt such a creature existed.
The rumble of the engines let us know that Cedroc and Javik had lifted off.
We were on our way to somewhere terrifying, but with Rekker beside me, I wasn’t afraid in the slightest.
“Are you ready now?” he asked. “We’ll have some time before Cedroc gets to the first area Javik needs to search.”
“I’m more than ready.” I beamed. “Will I get to use weapons?”
Rekker gave me an assessing look.
“You’re more bloodthirsty than you let on,” he said, eyes narrowed.
“I’m not bloodthirsty!” I cackled. “I just like the idea of giving a Suhlik a good wallop.”
“Don’t we all,” he smirked. “But you won’t be walloping anything if I can help it. I’m teaching you some basic things so I can protect you even when I’m not in front of you. I’m going to arm you with knowledge.”
“And a weapon?” I grinned.
He nodded. “And a weapon.”
He stood and offered his hand, which I took. When he pulled me up, I allowed myself to fall against his chest.
“Weren’t you ready to shout me into oblivion only a few moments ago?” His voice was low and rumbling in my ear,
the words vibrating through his chest.
Something inside me stirred. Suddenly, all I could picture was the smooth, muscular chest I knew to be hidden beneath his shirt.
“That doesn’t sound like me,” I teased.
He laughed. “Doesn’t it?”
He took me by the hand and led me along a corridor I hadn’t been down before. In a room at the back of the ship was a small training space.
Weapons lined the wall on the right. I figured this room must’ve doubled as an armory as well.
On the far end was a row of targets. The wall to the left was made up entirely of mirrors.
“It’s not much,” Rekker said and shrugged. “But it’ll suit our purposes today.”
“Does the crew train here regularly?”
He shook his head. “No. They don’t have much use for a space this small. The targets on the wall are more suited to a game of darts than target practice in their case.”
“Are all of the crew trained with weapons?”
“Yes,” he said, nodding. “Though they each have their own strengths. Derrix is proficient in every weapon you see there on the wall and more.”
“As a weapon expert ought to be,” I laughed. “Which one should I start with?”
“Let’s start with just your fists. I know you can throw a punch, but I’d like to test that out myself. Hit me.”
“What?”
“Hit me.”
“I don’t want to.” I let out an awkward laugh.
“Why? You’re not going to hurt me. Do you have any idea how thick my skin is?”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” Rekker grinned. “Hit me.”
“I’m sorry in advance.”
I formed a fist, wrenched my arm back and drove in between his pectorals. All my knuckles cracked on impact. It was like punching a solid wall.
“What the fuck?” I yelped, clutching my hand to my chest. Rekker tipped his head back and let out a rumbling belly laugh.
“I’m sorry.” He struggled to speak through his laughter. “I tried to warn you. Are you alright?”
I shook the soreness out of my hand.
“I’m fine,” I assured him.